Thomas Tuchel has defended his controversial England World Cup squad selections after leaving out several high-profile players, insisting team balance and commitment mattered more than individual talent.
Among the notable absentees were Harry Maguire, Cole Palmer, Phil Foden, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Morgan Gibbs-White and Luke Shaw, while Ivan Toney and John Stones were included despite concerns over form and fitness.
Speaking on Friday, Tuchel said the squad was built around unity and selflessness rather than star power.
“It’s not selecting the most talented players. Teams win championships,” Tuchel said, adding that England had selected “a very balanced squad.”
“I can assure every fan in the country we have 26 100 per cent committed players… who are committed to the idea of team spirit and being unselfish,” he stated.
Tuchel also said the squad was designed to strengthen specific areas, including set pieces and penalty situations.
“We want to be a strong set piece team… and a strong penalties team so we have specialists for that,” he explained.
On criticism surrounding the omissions, Tuchel insisted the decisions were tactical rather than personal.
“Did they do anything wrong? No… But for some of them, it’s just the amount of players in a certain position,” he said.
The German coach also addressed Maguire’s public reaction to being left out, saying: “I am surprised he made the statement. I respect his quality but the decision is we stood firmly with our central defenders.”
Defending the inclusion of Ivan Toney, Tuchel described him as “a natural finisher” and “a world class penalty taker.”
He also backed John Stones despite his injury struggles, calling him “a world class player” and “a proven winner.”
Included in the 2026 England World Cup squad, in goal, England turn to Jordan Pickford, Dean Henderson and James Trafford, a trio guarding the last line from Merseyside, London and Manchester.
In defence, Tuchel selected from across the Premier League’s spine: Ezri Konsa, John Stones, Marc Guéhi, Jarell Quansah, Tino Livramento, Nico O’Reilly, Djed Spence, Reece James and Dan Burn of Newcastle United.
The midfield includes Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson, Jordan Henderson of Al-Ettifaq, Morgan Rogers, Jude Bellingham and Eberechi Eze.
In attack, Tuchel named Harry Kane, Ivan Toney, Ollie Watkins, Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Gordon.
