England's national team coach Thomas Tuchel has announced the 26-player roster for the World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico (June 11 - July 19). Prior to the announcement, Tuchel spoke with each player, leading to the revelation of several high-profile exclusions. This decision has sparked reactions from both the players and the English media.

Yesterday, shocking news emerged about Tuchel’s squad. Notably, Cole Palmer, Chelsea's star with a market value of €110 million, is not on the list. Phil Foden, valued at €80 million and with 49 appearances for England, is also missing. Other notable exclusions include Trent Alexander-Arnold of Real Madrid and Harry Maguire, Manchester United’s defender.

"It was tough making these calls because I respect each one of these players, as individuals and as players. Every one of them deserved a spot in the initial pool of 55 players. Narrowing it down was hard, sometimes painfully so. I felt the emotions even during the phone calls," Tuchel explained about his selection process.

"For some, it was a matter of positioning and the need for a balanced squad, not just a team of tens. While it was painful and not easy to announce, I believe it was the right decision for England," Tuchel continued.

"Much thinking. Many decisions. Many tough decisions. Now, I feel relief, excitement, and I am ready to go. Once the decisions are made, it gives you sharpness and clarity. We are in the plane in a week. I can hardly wait to be on that plane and actually be the coach."

The Connection Must Exist

"It's hard to please everyone. At the end of the day, we have to pick a team that we as the coaching staff love and truly believe in. As a player, you feel the love of your coach; if there are doubts, you don't play at the same level. It's important who sets the standards, who pulls the team, who forms the leadership group. That connection must exist. While what the public and media think is not entirely unimportant, the most important thing is the energy, connection, and trust," concluded the English coach.

England opens the World Cup against Croatia on June 17 and will also face Ghana and Panama in their group.

England's World Cup Squad:

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

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

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

Forwards: Harry Kane (Bayern), Ivan Toney (Al Ahli), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Marcus Rashford (Barcelona), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle), Noni Madueke (Arsenal)