As the world gears up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the anticipation in England is palpable—not just for the action on the pitch, but for the heated debates that always swirl around squad selection. This year, former England right-back Kyle Walker has thrust himself into the thick of it, openly questioning manager Thomas Tuchel’s choices for the Three Lions’ squad. At a special World Cup preview event hosted by The Sun, Walker didn’t mince words, voicing concerns that have resonated with fans and pundits alike.
Walker, who earned 96 caps for England during his storied career, pulled no punches when asked about the players omitted from Tuchel’s final roster. “I probably would have taken Morgan Gibbs-White. He’s been fantastic for Forest,” Walker declared, referencing the Nottingham Forest midfielder’s impressive tally of 18 goals in the recent campaign. But Gibbs-White wasn’t the only notable absence that caught Walker’s eye. “I do think Luke Shaw, for me, should have been on the plane and I do think Harry Maguire should have been on the plane,” he continued. For Walker, the exclusion of Shaw and Maguire—both of whom he described as having “probably had the best seasons for Manchester United in a long time”—raises serious questions about the squad’s defensive depth and reliability.
Walker’s critique didn’t stop at individual omissions. He expressed broader worries about the defensive unit Tuchel has assembled, highlighting that some selected players have struggled with form or are carrying injuries. Specifically, he pointed to John Stones’ recent performances and the uncertain availability of Reece James, both of whom have battled fitness issues. “Players don’t get tired,” Walker asserted, underscoring his belief that the squad’s resilience and fitness will be tested in the sweltering heat of the United States this summer.
The debate around squad selection is nothing new for England fans, but Walker’s comments have added fuel to the fire. The omission of Maguire, in particular, has reportedly left the defender “shocked and gutted,” especially after making 25 appearances for Manchester United this season. Gibbs-White, meanwhile, capped off a breakthrough year with Forest, and many believed his form warranted a place on the plane. Luke Shaw’s consistent performances at left-back also made his exclusion a surprise to many observers.
Walker also took a moment to address the situation of Phil Foden, another high-profile player left out of Tuchel’s plans. “I’ve played with him for eight years, but he’s not on the plane,” Walker said. Rather than dwell on disappointment, he urged Foden to use the setback as motivation. “It’s football. What do you do, sulk and cry in the corner, or work harder? He just needs to make sure that come the start of the new season… he puts his best foot forward and make sure that he is the first name on the team sheet.” Walker’s words reflect the relentless drive required at the top level, especially as England looks to build a squad capable of going deep into the tournament.
Beyond the drama of squad selection, the 2026 World Cup is already making waves off the pitch. According to Bloomberg, the opening match for England could trigger a massive power surge across the UK’s grid—potentially even surpassing the spike witnessed during the legendary 1966 World Cup final. Back then, millions tuned in to watch England’s historic win over West Germany, a moment that not only defined a generation but also marked the dawn of football as a televised spectacle. The prospect of a similar national moment, complete with tea kettles boiling and living rooms packed with fans, is a testament to the enduring power of the World Cup to unite and electrify a nation.
Of course, the game itself has changed dramatically since 1966. As highlighted in a recent analysis by The New York Times, football’s evolution over the past six decades has been nothing short of remarkable. The 1966 final was a showcase of the long-ball era, with a full 25% of passes traveling at least 20 yards up the pitch—a stark contrast to the modern game’s emphasis on short, intricate passing. The advent of televised football not only brought the sport into millions of homes but also paved the way for the rise of data analytics, fundamentally altering how teams approach tactics and selection.
From the long-ball tactics of the late 1960s to the possession-based play of today, each World Cup has reflected broader trends in the sport. The 1970s saw the emergence of the midfield era, with teams like Brazil and the Netherlands redefining how the game was played. The defensive era of the 1980s, marked by the rise of the offside trap and a focus on structured defending, gave way to the pressing and transition-heavy styles of the 1990s and beyond. Today, data from providers like Opta allows analysts and coaches to dissect every touch, pass, and shot, providing unprecedented insight into player performance and team dynamics.
England’s current squad selection drama is, in many ways, a microcosm of these broader shifts. The debate over whether to prioritize form, fitness, or experience is as old as the tournament itself, but the stakes feel higher than ever. With the World Cup set to be played in the challenging summer conditions of North America, questions about squad depth and player recovery loom large. The expanded 26-man roster and allowances for five substitutes per match, introduced in recent tournaments, offer managers more flexibility but also complicate the selection puzzle.
Walker’s pointed remarks have sparked lively discussion among fans and pundits. Some argue that Tuchel’s bold decisions reflect a willingness to trust in emerging talent and adapt to the demands of modern football. Others, like Walker, worry that leaving out seasoned campaigners such as Maguire, Shaw, and Gibbs-White could backfire if injuries or fatigue take their toll. The absence of Foden, a player widely regarded as one of England’s brightest attacking talents, only adds to the intrigue.
As the countdown to kickoff continues, the debate over England’s squad is unlikely to subside. With the eyes of the world on the Three Lions, every decision—right down to the final squad list—will be scrutinized and second-guessed. One thing is certain: the passion and intensity surrounding English football remain as fierce as ever, mirroring the game’s evolution from the long-ball days of 1966 to the data-driven battles of today.
For now, the action is just beginning. As England prepares for its World Cup opener, all eyes will be on Tuchel’s chosen squad to see whether his controversial omissions will prove to be masterstrokes or missed opportunities. The debate will rage on until the final whistle—and perhaps long after.