SportFootballThomas TuchelEngland's World Cup squad has raised a few eyebrows and Thomas Tuchel has been told that failure to deliver will leave him open to massive criticism following some big calls06:40, 23 May 2026Updated 06:55, 23 May 2026Thomas Tuchel has been told that selecting a "B-team for the World Cup should be a sackable offence" unless he wins the tournament with England this summer.‌The German has selected is 26-man squad for the World Cup in North America with the nation beginning their tournament in under a month - and the ex-Chelsea boss has not been shy in making some big calls with some major names left at home.‌Ever since arriving Tuchel has been willing to leave out leading lights, which is against the recent history of selecting the England team. For the World Cup he's opted to leave out Phil Foden, Cole Palmer, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Adam Wharton.‌Instead he's picked the likes of Brentford's Jordan Henderson and outgoing Manchester City centre-half John Stones despite his lack of minutes this season. Ivan Toney, now based in Saudi Arabia, is one of three No 9s to get the nod - but the make-up of the squad has left the German open to criticism.Deeney said in The Sun: "For a nation with A-star talent, we seem to be sending a B-team to the World Cup. Thomas Tuchel has got his principles all muddled up and has selected a squad that, if they do not come back with the trophy, should be a sackable offence."READ MORE: Thomas Tuchel is the 'double' of Sir Alf Ramsey in bid for World Cup gloryREAD MORE: Thomas Tuchel reveals plans to stop Spygate at World Cup as FA to take extra measuresThe ex-Watford striker also added: "The calls to leave Trent, Cole Palmer and Phil Foden behind could look incredibly stupid in a couple of months. Everyone likes the idea of not picking based on names or egos, but that is an awful lot of quality to be left back home and, with this squad, I cannot see Tuchel taking England any further than Gareth Southgate did."‌At the last World Cup in 2022 the Three Lions were knocked out in the last eight by France. Four years prior to that and Southgate guided them to the last four, losing to Croatia. Since their only World Cup success in 1966 England have been to the semi-finals just twice.Content cannot be displayed without consent‌Tuchel is arguably the most successful manager to hold the England job since their victory back in the 1960s on home soil. He's already signed a deal to remain beyond the World Cup and made it clear his squad was selected with the collective in mind, meaning that better individuals were potentially overlooked.The German said: "I think from day one we were very clear that we are trying to select and build the best possible team, which is not necessarily to select and collect the 26 most talented players."Teams win championships, it is as simple as that. What we are trying to achieve in the summer can only be achieved as a team. With that in mind, we chose a very balanced squad."Article continues belowJoin our new WhatsApp community! Click this link to receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice .READ MORE: POLL: Cole Palmer, Harry Maguire & Phil Foden AXED from England's World Cup squad - have your sayChoose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌Thomas TuchelEngland football teamTroy DeeneyWorld Cup 2026