Tuchel reveals England squad for World Cup, Toney included

England coach Thomas Tuchel has unveiled the list of 26 players called up for the World Cup. The names of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Harry Maguire, Phil Foden, and Cole Palmer, all prominent players in European football, are not included. The surprise is Ivan Toney, the thirty-year-old striker who has scored 32 goals in 32 appearances this season with Al-Ahli in the Saudi league. He is expected to be the natural substitute for captain Harry Kane in the center-forward role, alongside Ollie Watkins.

To Alexander-Arnold (Real Madrid) - a full-back with strong offensive skills, but considered inconsistent in defensive duties - the German coach has preferred Reece James (Chelsea), Jarell Quansah (Leverkusen), and Tino Livramento (Newcastle). In attack as well, competition has overtaken Palmer, Chelsea's attacking midfielder, and Foden, coming off a disappointing season at Manchester City. Morgan Gibbs-White, despite an excellent season with Nottingham Forest, will also not travel to the United States. The attacking midfield role will be entrusted to Jude Bellingham or Morgan Rogers, respectively playing for Real Madrid and Aston Villa.

The list of 26 called up:

- goalkeepers: Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), James Trafford (Manchester City);

- defenders: Dan Burn (Newcastle), Marc Guéhi (Manchester City), Reece James (Chelsea), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Tino Livramento (Newcastle), Nico O'Reilly (Manchester City), Jarell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen), Djed Spence (Tottenham), John Stones (Manchester City);

- midfielders: Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Eberechi Eze (Arsenal), Jordan Henderson (Brentford), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa);

- forwards: Anthony Gordon (Newcastle), Harry Kane (Bayern Monaco), Noni Madueke (Arsenal), Marcus Rashford (Barcellona, on loan from Manchester United), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Ivan Toney (Al-Ahli), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa).

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