22nd May22:28 BSTGoodnightThat's it from us on the live blog.Be sure to check out Mirror Football for more reaction to the England squad - plus all of the latest news from the Premier League and beyond.Enjoy your bank holiday weekend.22nd May21:07 BSTWhy Tuchel has backed Spence Versatile Djed Spence of relegation-battling Tottenham was another shock call from Tuchel, leaving out Newcastle's impressive left-back Lewis Hall in the process - never mind all the noise around Trent Alexander-Arnold.Tuchel explained: "First of all, [Spence] was excellent in every single match he played for us. He suffers from the third change of coach at his club."Since then, he doesn't get a lot of minutes. Of course, he suffers from the situation. He is part of the situation as well at Tottenham."He brings somethings to the group that we don't have in his profile. He loves defending. He is the fastest player in our squad and he loves to defend in one on ones."That is just the characteristic that I would say makes him stand out. He's a full-back first and a bit of a special full-back for us as well. On top of that, he can play both sides."Though Hall might well be the better all-round left-back, the value of Spence's versatility is immeasurable when considering the potential for injuries after a long domestic season - including fitness concerns over Reece James and Tino Livramento - and the advantage of being able to shift formations within games.Ranking in the 99th percentile among global full-backs for dribbling and comfortably the strongest England full-back in terms of accelerations per 90 (0.7), Spence's physical edge could also be vital against speedy wingers in the knockout stages.No England full-back comes close to Spence's offensive duel numbers either, standing at 8.84 per 90.Read more analysis of the squad here.(Image: Machine Football)22nd May20:35 BSTTuchel reveals showdown talks with ToneyThomas Tuchel has revealed he held clear-the-air talks with Ivan Toney - and has now put the striker on “special operations” duty.Tuchel admitted Toney’s “commitment and level of training” was not good enough the last time the striker was in an England squad 12 months ago. Three Lions boss Tuchel said that he did a U-turn after the last England camp in March and got Toney back into the fold to give them something extra at the World Cup this summer.Toney, 30, is the arguably the biggest headline in the 26 man squad because he now plays in the Saudi Pro League and his England career looked over. But Tuchel believes he can be England’s super sub - one of their crucial finishers amid red-hot conditions in the United States - and could be invaluable as a penalty specialist in shootouts.Tuchel said: “Ivan is, in this case, a part of a specialty team, as part of a special operations team. He knows that, and that's his role, and off the pitch, he is a glue. “He is someone who connects with everyone very, very well, and here we go. It took a while, and it was in the last weeks, when we started deeply to talk about the selectionRead the full story here.(Image: Marco Canoniero/LightRocket via Getty Images)22nd May20:02 BSTTuchel: FA have plan to stop Spygate repeatFA chiefs will put extra security around their World Cup training base to stop a repeat of Spygate happening in the United States. England boss Thomas Tuchel revealed they have already looked at protection around their training pitches in Kansas City before they fly out on June 1.Southampton have been kicked out of the Championship play-offs after the EFL imposed the ultimate sanction when the South Coast club were caught spying on Middlesbrough before their semi-final. England face Croatia, Panama and Ghana this summer and Tuchel is clearly keen to stop any chance of their training methods and sessions being spied upon.They are basing themselves in Kansas City throughout the tournament and their pitch is wide open so they plan to erect some extra screens. Tuchel said: "We will take care of that, of course."As good as possible and not in a crazy way. It is what it is. As you all know, Argentina had the first option to choose a very secluded high-end facility in Kansas.Read the full story here.(Image: Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)22nd May19:20 BSTTuchel gives Palmer brutal reality checkCole Palmer has been branded a “failure” after failing to make England’s World Cup squad.Thomas Tuchel ruthlessly axed Palmer and Phil Foden after saying he refused to pick players just based on their name and reputation. But the German insisted there is enough creativity in the 26 man squad because he has cut so many skilful players to leave England looking horribly short of ideas, flair and skill.England have got a prolific striker in Harry Kane but it will leave fans worried about who will supply the chances. Tuchel was particularly brutal on the reasons behind Palmer and Foden not making the cut even though they were two standout stars at the last Euros.Tuchel said: “I think he (Palmer) suffers from, first of all, a lack of individual form within the club, he was not as decisive or as influential as he was in the last seasons, throughout the whole season. Second of all, he was not very influential with us.Read the full story here.(Image: Harvey Murphy/News Images/NurPhoto via Getty Images)22nd May18:45 BSTA reminder from Nottingham Forest?Content cannot be displayed without consent22nd May18:29 BSTRashford clears up 'dig' after call-upMarcus Rashford has attempted to clear the air after being accused of making a 'dig' towards Manchester United following his England call-up. Rashford, who's currently on loan at Barcelona, was named in England's 26-man squad for the World Cup on Friday by Thomas Tuchel and he celebrated his inclusion on Instagram.The forward wrote: "Special thanks to Unai (Emery), Hansi (Flick), Thomas, Aston Villa, Barcelona & England for believing in me when things got tough."It didn't long for his followers to notice that he hadn't mentioned United or anyone else related to the club. "Where is United's thank you?" one supporter asked.Rashford was alerted to the backlash and quickly responded. "To make my IG story clear. It's not a dig of any sort! I'm a MU supporter, and that remains," he stressed in a post on X.Read the full story here.(Image: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)22nd May18:05 BSTMaguire out, Burn inManchester United's Harry Maguire posted on social media about his anguish after being informed of his omission from Tuchel's 26-man squad in favour of Newcastle's Dan Burn.The England manager revealed that the defender's post had "surprised" him, but empathised with Maguire's hurt at being excluded after a much-improved season at club level.Tuchel said: "I was a bit surprised because we had a private conversation and he had the chance to express his feelings which he did and this is fair enough because I can see all the reasons why he could be in the squad."It was a decision for these 26 players, even if it feels against individuals."Though Maguire has the beating of Burn in most measurable attributes this season, Burn's versatility and tactical profile may be the key reasons he has taken the seat on the plane.Burn can cover at left back as well as his preferred position at left centre-back, and his Newcastle role has often been focused on defending deep, using his sizable frame to win first contact and protect the box while playing in a compact defensive structure.The idea may well be to use Burn as something of a closer in tight games, while also making use of his comparable aerial threat to Maguire.Read more analysis of the squad here.(Image: Machine Football)22nd May17:22 BSTTuchel's controversial callsMirror Football's Daniel Orme has taken a look at the five most controversial selection decisions Thomas Tuchel has made.Dan Burn, John Stones, Djed Spence, Jordan Henderson and Ivan Toney are among the most surprising selections. While Harry Maguire, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Adam Wharton, Cole Palmer, Morgan Gibbs-White and Phil Foden the most surprising omissions.(Image: Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)22nd May16:43 BSTChoose YOUR starting XI for Croatia opener22nd May16:11 BSTICYMI: Three additional stars to join squad for trainingThomas Tuchel says Bournemouth's Alex Scott, Liverpool's Rio Ngumoha and Fulham's Josh King will fly out to Florida to train with the squad. There will also be another player, to be confirmed. Jason Steele will cover for Dean Henderson, who is involved in the Conference League final.They will make up the numbers, with Arsenal's players busy in the Champions League final.Liverpool teenager Rio Ngumoha has been a breakout star this season.(Image: Getty Images)22nd May14:59 BSTRooney approves Toney pickWayne Rooney is a big fan of Ivan Toney's inclusion in the England squad.He said: “I’m happy I like it. He’s a very good player, he’s scored goals in the Premier League.“Yes he’s gone to Saudi, scoring goals is never a bad thing. It’s never a bad habit to have. And I just like the fact we’ve got three number nines.“If you’re chasing a goal, rather than bringing a number ten on who wants to get on the ball and play. Get goalscorers on the pitch. Get people who know where the back of the net is and they’re scoring on a regular basis on the pitch. And I’m really pleased with their three forwards.”Ivan Toney has secured a spot in the England squad(Image: Getty Images)22nd May14:20 BSTChelsea boss opens up on Palmer snubChelsea's interim head coach Callum MacFarlane says he 'trusts' Cole Palmer despite his England snub.Speaking in a press conference, he said: "Yeah, I don't want to comment on that. It's not anything to do with me. I've spoken loads of times about what I feel and how the club feel about Cole. The England manager's made a decision in that moment. It's probably best to speak to him. But we have full belief and trust in Cole. We know that he's a quality player and we'll be relying on him on Sunday."Cole Palmer has been left out of England's World Cup squad(Image: Getty Images)22nd May13:37 BSTWelbeck or Calvert-Lewin got a case?Ivan Toney has been picked as the third striker, behind Harry Kane and Ollie Watkins. He's banged in the goals in Saudi Arabia, but has previously only played seven minutes under Thomas Tuchel's management for England.Tuchel even admitted he was a bit surprised that he's ended up picking him, but said he got good feedback from his Al-Ahli manager and thinks he's perfect for situations late in matches when chasing a goal.Leeds' Dominic Calvert-Lewin is the joint-top English goalscorer in the Premier League this season, alongside Watkins and Morgan Gibbs-White on 14, while Danny Welbeck has 13 for Brighton.Should they have made it instead? Or does Tuchel's explanation make sense?(Image: Crystal Pix/MB Media/Getty Images)22nd May13:21 BSTCrouch: I'd have taken Palmer and FodenPhil Foden and Cole Palmer should have been in the England squad for the World Cup, according to Peter Crouch. The duo were among the big-name omissions, with Morgan Rogers and Jude Bellingham the chosen attacking midfielders by Thomas Tuchel.“[Phil] Foden and [Cole] Palmer are game changers," Crouch told Paddy Power. "There are certain players that regardless of form that you just take. Certainly with Palmer, you could have the element of penalties. His calmness, coolness, he won’t be fazed by any kind of moment at any time.“He’s had a disrupted season through injury but for me personally, he has to go. Him and Foden would be in my squad."(Image: Getty Images)22nd May12:58 BSTGarner reacts to World Cup snubEverton midfielder James Garner was one of those who got the call they didn't want from Thomas Tuchel.Garner has enjoyed an impressive campaign for the Toffees, but has missed out. Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson, Jordan Henderson and Kobbie Mainoo are those occupying the holding midfielder roles.He's posted on Instagram, writing: "Gutted is an understatement. Good luck to the boys."James Garner has impressed with Everton(Image: Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)22nd May12:47 BST'The goal is to try and win the World Cup'Thomas Tuchel's goal this summer is absolutely clear."The goal is to try to win it and not be shy about it, respect the game and the opponents and the amount and the obstacles that come with the tournament itself," he said."We need a bit of luck, we need to have our selection right. We need to stay healthy, all the players need to stay healthy. Then, catch the momentum. Build the brotherhood, build the courage, play with hunger and take advantage of special moments hopefully."We need a bit of luck and we need crucial moments on our side, of course. Once we go, hopefully to knockout football, then it’s a game of margins and it will not be done without luck and it will not be done without nerves without nerves of steel. We [may] need to overcome overtime or penalty shootouts."Everything is in our hands, but I think it is good to just have the goal spoken out and we did this very early in the first camp. Then one minute later, we said ‘okay, this is very clear and what are trying to do. Let’s focus on what we can influence which is the next step, the 10 days in Florida."22nd May12:33 BSTBowen praised despite omissionWest Ham star Jarrod Bowen is perhaps one of the most unlucky players to miss out, given his recent involvement in England squads under Thomas Tuchel."You mentioned Jarrod, he was just one of the players under the radar maybe, he was just excellent in every camp for us and then gets the phone call that he is not on the plane. Does Jarrod suffer a bit from the situation at his club? It is difficult for him," Tuchl said."Does Noni [Madueke] and Bukayo [Saka] profit from the situation at their club, they're playing finals, they won the Premier League title, they play in a Champions League final? It is a question of concurrence, without telling too much, the reaction of Jarrod was just outstanding and proved again what kind of maker, he didn't play so regularly but coming on and off can be a big advantage. I believe in his ability to change matches and to disrupt defensive organisations with his one on ones."(Image: MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)22nd May12:21 BSTNgumoha to join World Cup preparationsRio Ngumoha, Alex Scott and Josh King will be a part of England's training camp in Florida from June 1, Thomas Tuchel announced earlier.With four Arsenal players involved in the Champions League final on May 30, England will be short of players initially when they fly out to the United States.Tuchel explained the decisions fully earlier on.22nd May12:03 BSTSelect your England XI vs CroatiaIt's now 26 days until England's World Cup opener against Croatia in Texas.We now know the 26 players Thomas Tuchel will choose from after training in Florida and Kansas City, barring any injuries.So who would you like to see start? Use our selector below to pick your XI.22nd May11:42 BSTOdds to start vs CroatiaNow we know the 26-man squad, it is worth looking ahead to who might make the starting XI against Croatia in England's first World Cup match on June 17.Bet365's odds offer a interesting glimpse, ranging from Jordan Pickford's near certainty at 1/50, through Morgan Rogers 8/13 and Ollie Watkins at 14/1.22nd May11:37 BSTThat's it from TuchelThomas Tuchel has finished his 30-minute press conference with the media. Plenty to look back over, so stay tuned for more talking points.Thomas Tuchel explained his decisions to reporters(Image: Eddie Keogh/The FA via Getty Images)22nd May11:29 BSTTuchel explains Spence's selectionThomas Tuchel was asked why Djed Spence has made his squad, despite sometimes struggling for consistent minutes at Tottenham this season.“He’s suffers from the situation at Tottenham, three managers and he is part of the situation," he says.“But he is excellent and has been outstanding for us whenever he has been with us. He can play both sides, has a profile which makes him our best defender and brings something different.”Spence is also England's fastest player and is particularly good defending one vs one, according to Tuchel.Djed Spence's versatility has counted in his favour(Image: Visionhaus/Getty Images)22nd May11:26 BSTTuchel will rotate his teamThomas Tuchel has explained why he would ideally like to rotate his team during the group stages.He says the team hasn't played in certain formations since November, due to injuries in March, and that history shows that rotation early in the tournament, to spread out the minutes is the right approach.However, he concedes that it might not be possible, depending on the game situations.22nd May11:22 BSTTuchel explains Stones selectionJohn Stones has not played much football for Manchester City this season due to injury problems, but he's been selected ahead of the likes of Harry Maguire.“He’s a world class player," Tuchel says. "I’m a big supporter of John, outstanding player, outstanding character and person. He will get game time in the friendlies before the tournament."John Stones has been integral to Manchester City's success(Image: Marvin Ibo Guengoer - GES Sportfoto/Getty Images)22nd May11:17 BSTThree youngsters going to FloridaThomas Tuchel says Bournemouth's Alex Scott, Liverpool's Rio Ngumoha and Fulham's Josh King will fly out to Florida to train with the squad. There will also be another player, to be confirmed. Jason Steele will cover for Dean Henderson, who is involved in the Conference League final.They will make up the numbers, with Arsenal's players busy in the Champions League final.22nd May11:13 BSTTuchel reacts to Maguire's statementThomas Tuchel was surprised to see Harry Maguire post a statement about his omission from the World Cup last night."I was a bit surprised but I respect his personality and quality a lot," Tuchel says. "He had an outstanding season so I understand his disappointment. But I was a bit surprised because we had a private conversation where he expressed his disappointment."Harry Maguire was a shock exclusion(Image: Getty Images)22nd May11:10 BSTToney 'a bit of surprise'Ivan Toney has only played seven minutes of football under Thomas Tuchel's management, but he's made the squad."A bit of a surprise to us," Tuchel admits when asked about him. "But when it came down to all different kinds of scenarios, he was back in the picture. I had great feedback from his club coach, who was my player, about his ability and his fitness. We can see he still collects the numbers. He has very special skills that could help us - when we're chasing a goal."He adds that Toney is a "natural finisher and presence in the box, very good at using his body and a world-class penalty-taker. He ticks some boxes that we wanted to tick."22nd May10:55 BSTYoung talents will still be involvedThomas Tuchel has confirmed that several players will be invited to the Florida training camp before the World Cup.The England boss could invite the likes of Bournemouth’s Alex Scott among younger fringe players.Arsenal’s players will not join up later because they will have played in the Champions League final and will be given a few extra days to recover. The squad flies out on June 1.England will base themselves in Kansas City before their first game against Croatia on June 17.Alex Scott of AFC Bournemouth celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Bournemouth at Emirates Stadium(Image: Getty)22nd May10:46 BST5 most controversial callsMirror Football's Daniel Orme has taken a look at the five most controversial selection decisions Thomas Tuchel has made.Dan Burn, John Stones, Djed Spence, Jordan Henderson and Ivan Toney are among the most surprising selections. While Harry Maguire, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Adam Wharton, Cole Palmer, Morgan Gibbs-White and Phil Foden the most surprising omissions.Thomas Tuchel embraces Phil Foden after he was substituted during the international friendly match between England and Uruguay at Wembley in March(Image: (Visionhaus/Getty Images))‌