Ghana's World Cup opponents England name final squad as Foden, Palmer and Trent miss out

England have named their final 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with several high-profile omissions ahead of their group-stage clash against Ghana.

England manager Thomas Tuchel has left out Phil Foden, Cole Palmer and Trent Alexander-Arnold in some of the biggest selection decisions ahead of the tournament. Experienced defender Harry Maguire has also been omitted despite enjoying a strong season with Manchester United.

The Three Lions will rely on captain Harry Kane, alongside key figures such as Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice and Marcus Rashford as they target World Cup glory.

England begin their campaign against Croatia on June 17 before facing Ghana in a highly anticipated Group L encounter. Their final group match will be against Panama.

England World Cup squad

Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), James Trafford (Manchester City).

Defenders: Dan Burn (Newcastle United), Marc Guehi (Manchester City), Reece James (Chelsea), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Tino Livramento (Newcastle United), Nico O'Reilly (Manchester City), Jarell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen), Djed Spence (Tottenham Hotspur), 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 United), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Noni Madueke (Arsenal), Marcus Rashford (Barcelona, on loan from Manchester United), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Ivan Toney (Al-Ahli), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa).

Tuchel's selections have already generated debate among supporters, particularly the omissions of Foden, Palmer, Alexander-Arnold and Maguire, all of whom were considered contenders for places in the squad before the final announcement.