Phil Foden Out: Manchester City Star Misses England’s 26 in a Surprise Cut

The football landscape shifted decisively on Friday, 22 May 2026, as Thomas Tuchel, England’s national team manager, announced his final 26-man squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup. The most significant revelation was the omission of Phil Foden, the Manchester City standout. This decision marks a pivotal moment in England’s preparations, signaling Tuchel’s bold strategic direction and immediately raising analytical questions about the team’s composition for the tournament commencing in June across North America.

Foden’s exclusion is particularly noteworthy given his recent career trajectory and consistent club success. He was awarded the PFA Player of the Year in 2023-24, a clear indicator of his individual brilliance. Furthermore, Foden has been a vital component of Manchester City’s sustained dominance, securing four Premier League titles. His prior inclusion in the England squad for Euro 2024 underscores his established presence within the national team, making his current absence from the World Cup roster a decision of considerable analytical weight.

The Manchester City playmaker is not alone in missing out. Other notable omissions include Cole Palmer, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Harry Maguire. Foden’s exclusion, particularly alongside Palmer, stands out as one of the most surprising selections in recent English football history. This collective absence of established and emerging talents points to a clear and decisive shift in Tuchel’s approach, prioritizing a specific tactical profile over individual reputations or past form.

A Calculated Risk: Tuchel’s Squad Philosophy

<p

By Lukas Richter · Last updated May 25, 2026

Lukas Richter · News Reporter

10 years experience · Ex-kicker staff reporter · German Football Reporters Association

Lukas covers the daily news cycle: squad announcements, friendly results, injury updates, regulatory changes, and the bonus drops that move the affiliate market. He fact-checks every story against at least two primary sources and timestamps the last verification on each article. Formerly a staff reporter at kicker (DE) covering the Bundesliga and the German national team.

𝕏 in ✉