Gareth Jones 

After feeling initial shock at the squad, it's actually growing on me. It seems form rather than history has been taken into consideration much more.

Foden and Palmer's form do not warrant selection and we have to remember there is a danger of burning out young players. Missing out this summer and having a break will do them the world of good.

I like the selection of Toney, despite not playing in the Premier League. He is strong, mean, and will be used to playing in the stifling heat of the US.

Yes, there are still some strange calls, Djed Spence being one, but it still looks like a capable unit.

Ash Rose 

Thomas Tuchel has left it right to the last minute to throw some right curveballs in, in what is more of an eyebrow-raising squad than anticapted. 

Phil Foden and Cole Palmer's form may have been way below par this season, but it's a big call to leave them both at home. Especially Palmer, who we've seen loves a big occasion. 

Nevertheless, England are well stocked in that area, but the eye-catching name in attack is Ivan Toney. Having only played a handful of minutes in England's disappointing defeat to Senegal last summer under Tuchel, he comes right in from the cold.

Yes, he's scored a hatful in the Saudi league, but that comes with its own caveat, so is it his penalty-taking prowess that has moved him above Dominic Calvert-Lewin? And who thought we'd go with three strikers, when you add in Ollie Watkins, too. What a turnaround from Tuchel. 

Then there are some questionable decisions in the back. Harry Maguire can count himself unlucky, but given his unnecessary take on social media, maybe England are better off. However, there is a concern over a backline that's fragile with injuries, bar Marc Guehi, especially against the very best in the latter stages. 

The defence overall is a big concern. 

Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images

Matt Astbury 

As England squads go, this one is very left-wing from manager Thomas Tuchel.

The German has not been afraid to make bold decisions, but in my eyes, he has made some wrong ones. 

Having no Harry Maguire, a centre back reborn, removes a huge threat at set pieces and experience in the major tournaments. Tottenham defender Djed Spence somehow has a place despite his side facing relegation, meaning Trent Alexander-Arnold, Myles Lewis Skelly and James Garner will miss out. 

Midfield raises similar eyebrows. Jordan Henderson stays, while Morgan Gibbs-White and Adam Wharton will be sat at home. Considering the heat during this tournament will be relentless, opting for older players may backfire when squad rotation will be key. 

Then there’s up front. Ivan Toney is in, and while he has been scoring for fun in Saudi Arabia, he does not warrant a place in the squad. There have been strikers in England proving their worth, such as Ollie Watkins and Dominic Calvert-Lewin who will feel frustrated that their hard work this season has been nothing.

Andrew Steel

Thomas Tuchel has long said he relishes the hard decisions - but you do actually have to wonder how many of his calls proved to be as difficult as some may think for the England manager.

The Three Lions boss has swung the axe on Phil Foden and Cole Palmer after underwhelming seasons, and seemingly shut the door on Harry Maguire's international career despite a return to form.

The latter in particular has every right to feel hard done by - as his social media suggests - but perhaps a lack of squad experience with the German has proven the major difference in the end.

Tuchel has retained a core nucleus of faces, seemingly with an emphasis on the squad camaraderie he has created. There are outliers, but ultimately, this is a squad with a trusted temperament.

Ben McShane/Sportsfile via Getty Images

Chris Walker 

In leaving out many star names, Thomas Tuchel has immediately put a target on his back ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which starts next month.

Every single nation competing would be crying out for players like Phil Foden, Cole Palmer, Morgan Gibbs-White, and Trent Alexander-Arnold, but for Tuchel, those names are not worthy to be in his final 26-man squad.

Players supposedly being picked on form doesn’t make sense with Adam Wharton and Gibbs-White missing out, whilst the versatility demonstrated in defence is absent in the forward positions.

Tuchel’s starting 11 is not expected to contain any shocks when the competition gets underway, but the German coach may regret some of his choices when looking down his bench if things don’t go to plan.

Ross Heppenstall 

Like many England fans, I have doubts over Thomas Tuchel’s England World Cup squad.

Many of his selections were nailed-on certainties. Such as Jordan Pickford, Marc Guehi, Nico O'Reilly, Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka and captain Harry Kane.

Others have raised eyebrows and indeed concerns, namely the inclusion of Djed Spence and Ivan Toney.

Spence is a talent, but has not exactly thrived in a Tottenham team this season, who could yet get relegated this weekend.

Toney is a proven goalscorer, but the Saudi Pro League is not the Premier League and not anywhere close.

But perhaps my biggest worry is the omission of Harry Maguire, a man who has proved such an important figure for the Three Lions during the past eight years. To leave him feels risky at best and downright careless at worst.

With the tournament now less than a month away, we will soon discover the wisdom of Tuchel’s selections, but I certainly have my worries.

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