Overview
- England manager Thomas Tuchel, who named his 26‑man squad on Friday, left out Phil Foden, Cole Palmer, Harry Maguire and Trent Alexander‑Arnold from the World Cup list.
- Ivan Toney was a surprise recall despite limited recent England minutes and his move to the Saudi Pro League, while Tuchel prioritised tactical fit and specialist roles in forward and defensive choices.
- Harry Maguire said he was “shocked and gutted” after omission, and media coverage described the squad as eye‑catching and controversial following leaks the day before the announcement.
- Pep Guardiola confirmed on Friday that he will leave Manchester City at the end of the season, a decision that has triggered succession planning with Enzo Maresca widely linked to succeed him.
- The EFL published written reasons finding Southampton guilty in the Spygate case and expelling them from the Championship play‑offs, which reinstated Middlesbrough for the Wembley final as the club manages multiple injury doubts and the FA prepares to submit the 26‑man list to FIFA by May 31 with medical swaps allowed up to 24 hours before England’s opening match.