England’s World Cup squad includes Saudi-based Al-Ahli striker Ivan Toney as a surprise selection, while Trent Alexander-Arnold of Real Madrid was left out. Cole Palmer and Phil Foden were also excluded despite major roles in England’s Euro 2024 run to the final. Morgan Gibbs-White and Dominic Calvert-Lewin were overlooked despite strong Premier League scoring. Jordan Henderson was included, replacing Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton. Thomas Tuchel, hired to end England’s 60-year wait for major international success, made difficult calls that were emotionally hard for players. He said he called players in camp to show appreciation and respect, and he felt relieved and excited once decisions were made.
"Real Madrid's Trent Alexander-Arnold also left out, while Saudi-based Al-Ahli striker Ivan Toney the surprise inclusion. Cole Palmer and Phil Foden were among a number of high-profile names excluded by Thomas Tuchel from England's World Cup squad. Real Madrid's Trent Alexander-Arnold was also left out of the squad announced on Friday, with Saudi-based Al-Ahli striker Ivan Toney the surprise inclusion."
"Foden and Palmer played a major role in England's run to the final of Euro 2024. However, Manchester City's Foden and Chelsea playmaker Palmer have paid the price for poor seasons with their clubs. Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White and Leeds striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin have also been overlooked, despite being two of the highest-scoring Englishmen in the Premier League this season."
"Veteran Brentford midfielder and former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson has been included at the expense of Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton. Tuchel said telling players they would not be on the plane to the United States had been tough. It was difficult, sometimes painfully difficult and like even in the phone calls I felt the emotion, he said."
"So I called all players that were with us in camp at least one time, I called them, I wanted to show at least the appreciation and the respect for what they have done. Tuchel said he could not wait to be on the plane and be a coach. Now I'm feeling in between relieved and excited and ready to go because once you get the energy back and once you see the excitement of the players that you chose and then once the decisions are made it gives you a certain edge, he said."
Read at www.aljazeera.com
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