Former England defender praises squad: "Tuchel's style is admirable"
Former England defender and now commentator, Jamie Carragher approved coach Thomas Tuchel's call-up for the World Cup.
Even with the absence of stars such as Phil Foden and Cole Palmer, Carragher praised the German coach's choices and attitude in putting together the list.
"My immediate reaction when I saw the direction Tuchel was taking was that I wish he had been my national coach 20 years ago. (...) You may not agree with his decisions, but you have to admire his style", wrote the former defender, who played in the 2006 and 2010 World Cups, in his Telegraph column.
"No one is going to convince me that Tuchel chose the 26 most talented in England. If that were the case, Phil Foden and Cole Palmer would be on the list. The logic behind the 26 names can be summarized as follows: energy and harmony over talent. Tuchel selected those who he believes have good personality and also because they are good players", continued the Liverpool idol.
Another important name that was left out of the World Cup squad was Real Madrid right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold. Harry Maguire, Manchester United defender, also did not receive Tuchel's call.
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- England (@England) May 22, 2026
In a press conference this Friday (22), shortly after announcing the squad, Thomas Tuchel held a press conference and justified his choices for the tournament.
"In November, we felt we had a fresh air, younger players who played with enthusiasm, a good mix of young people and veterans, which brought out the best in the players. We want to recreate that spirit, so we rely heavily on the group that was with us in these three training periods. For some, it was a question of positioning, of not bringing five number 10 players and making them play out of position," said the German.
England squad for 2026 World Cup
- Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford (Everton), Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace) and James Trafford (Man City)
- Defenders: Reece James (Chelsea), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Jarell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen), John Stones (Man City), Marc Guehi (Man City), Dan Burn (Newcastle), Nico O'Reilly (Man City), Djed Spence (Tottenham) and Tino Livramento (Newcastle)
- Midfielders: Declan Rice (Arsenal), Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), Kobbie Mainoo (Man Utd), Jordan Henderson (Brentford), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Eberechi Eze (Arsenal)
- Forwards: Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Ivan Toney (Al-Ahli), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Marcus Rashford (Barcelona), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle), Noni Madueke (Arsenal)
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Source: CNN