The football world is buzzing this week after England's final World Cup squad was revealed. Thomas Tuchel, England's manager, made some truly unexpected calls, shaking up the usual lineup and leaving many fans scratching their heads, while others are championing his bold approach. Tuchel, it seems, isn't afraid to make big decisions, and he's certainly done that here.

For me, the headline news has to be Ivan Toney's inclusion. I know Toney has been in incredible form for Al-Ahli, scoring 42 goals this season. That's phenomenal by any measure. But he hasn't been in an England squad since June 2025. Tuchel himself admitted it was a bit of a surprise, even to him, but he consulted Toney's club manager, Matthias Jaissle, who apparently gave glowing feedback. Tuchel's reasoning makes sense on paper: Toney offers a different dimension, a physical presence in the box when England are chasing a game, and he's a world-class penalty taker. We saw similar tactical flexibility from Gareth Southgate in previous tournaments, so this isn't entirely new territory for England. I just wonder if his time away from the national team will be a factor.

Equally surprising, and perhaps even more controversial, is Trent Alexander-Arnold's exclusion. The Real Madrid right-back is undeniably a world-class talent, especially going forward. However, Tuchel has been quite open about his defensive reservations regarding Alexander-Arnold. He hasn't been in a squad since last June, which tells its own story. It seems Tuchel values defensive solidity and tactical discipline over Alexander-Arnold's attacking flair in this specific setup. It's a tough call, and one that will undoubtedly be debated for weeks, but ultimately, the manager has to pick the team he believes will win.

Taking Alexander-Arnold's place, in a way, is Djed Spence. Spence, who has been in and out of the Tottenham side this season, was apparently the last name confirmed. He even picked up a broken jaw recently, which makes his inclusion even more interesting. The other full-backs selected are Reece James, Tino Livramento, and Nico O'Reilly. It's a fresh look, no doubt, and a clear signal that Tuchel is building a team with his own vision.

Another significant exclusion is Harry Maguire. The Manchester United center-back, with 66 caps to his name, was reportedly "shocked and gutted." His family even took to social media to express their anger, which, let's be honest, probably didn't help his case with Tuchel. The manager's philosophy seems to be about creating the right environment, and any perceived dissent or upset clearly doesn't sit well with him. He stated quite plainly that he is "trying to select and build the best possible team, not necessarily to select the most talented 26 players." This is a manager who values team cohesion and a positive atmosphere above all else, which, in a long tournament, could be absolutely critical. Maguire's reaction might have sealed his fate.

In the attacking midfield department, there's no room for Cole Palmer or Phil Foden. Both have had what Tuchel considered "disappointing seasons" for Chelsea and Manchester City, respectively. Palmer, in particular, has struggled with form and fitness, and Tuchel reportedly has reservations about his personality for a lengthy camp. Instead, the slots went to Jude Bellingham, Morgan Rogers, and Eberechi Eze. Tuchel sees a strong partnership between Bellingham and Rogers, emphasizing that "they can compete as accomplices, not enemies." This focus on synergy and friendship among players is a recurring theme for Tuchel, and it's clear he's trying to foster a particular kind of team spirit.

The decision to pick two strikers, Toney and Ollie Watkins, to provide cover for Harry Kane is also noteworthy. It suggests Tuchel wants options for different game scenarios, particularly when chasing a goal. Kane, of course, remains the talisman, but having alternatives who can make an impact from the bench is vital in tournament football.

Tuchel hasn't shied away from unpopular decisions. Morgan Gibbs-White is another name missing from the squad. This is a manager who clearly has strong convictions about the players he wants and the team dynamic he aims to create. He's not afraid to leave out big names if he believes it benefits the overall collective.

As we look ahead to the tournament, Tuchel's choices will be scrutinized at every turn. Will his bold inclusions pay off? Can Toney replicate his club form on the international stage? Will the absence of Alexander-Arnold and Maguire prove to be a masterstroke or a misstep? Only time will tell.

One thing is for sure: this England squad is going to be fascinating to watch. It's a testament to Tuchel's confidence in his own vision for how a winning team should be built. The World Cup is a brutal competition, and often, it's the teams with the strongest collective spirit and clearest strategy that go the furthest. You can find more information about the tournament schedule on the FIFA website. For general information about the England national team, visit The Football Association.

This summer, we'll see if Tuchel's gamble pays off and if this new-look England can bring home the trophy. It's going to be an interesting ride, that is for sure.