Thomas Tuchel has named England’s 26-man World Cup squad with three Aston Villa players included and several high-profile names missing out.
- Ezri Konsa, Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins are all named, rewarding outstanding individual seasons
- Harry Maguire confirmed his omission via Instagram, describing the decision as “shocking and gutting”
- Phil Foden, Cole Palmer, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Morgan Gibbs-White are among the notable absentees
Villa’s three. A reward for an historic season
The announcement of England’s World Cup squad represents a fitting individual recognition for three Aston Villa players who have contributed to the most remarkable season in the club’s modern history.
Ezri Konsa, Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins have all been named in Tuchel’s 26-man squad, rewarding performances that delivered a Europa League title [LINK], Champions League qualification, and some of the most compelling individual displays in the Premier League this season.
Konsa’s inclusion is entirely deserved. The 28-year-old centre-back has been outstanding across a gruelling campaign, captaining Villa on multiple European occasions, scoring in both legs of the Bologna quarter-final, and delivering a commanding final performance against Freiburg in Istanbul. His consistent quality has made him one of the Premier League’s most reliable defenders for three consecutive seasons.
Rogers’ inclusion rewards a season of extraordinary output: 13 goals, ten assists, and the competition’s leading figures for chances created in the Europa League. His corner delivery for Tielemans’ iconic final goal and his own finish in Istanbul confirmed a player operating at genuine international level. Watkins’ inclusion is equally justified: 19 goals across all competitions, two against Liverpool, and a record-breaking 100 goals in Villa colours making the case for World Cup selection entirely unanswerable.
The omissions. Maguire’s emotional public reaction
The most significant and emotionally charged omission from Tuchel’s squad is Harry Maguire. The Manchester United centre-back confirmed his absence via Instagram in one of the most direct and public reactions to a World Cup snub in recent memory.
“I was confident I could have played a major part this summer for my country after the season I’ve had,” Maguire posted. “I’ve been left shocked and gutted by the decision. I wish the players all the best.” His mother Zoe amplified the reaction on social media, describing the decision as “disgusting.” The 33-year-old had spoken openly last month about his desperation to attend what he described as potentially his final World Cup, making Tuchel’s decision a particularly painful one for a player with 67 caps and seven international goals.
Alongside Maguire, the absences of Phil Foden, Cole Palmer, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Morgan Gibbs-White represent the most debated omissions from a talented but competitive England pool. Foden’s exclusion is particularly surprising given his status as one of the Premier League’s most creative players. Alexander-Arnold’s omission, after making his Real Madrid move permanent — suggests Tuchel has opted for more orthodox defensive options.
The Full Squad
Goalkeepers: Pickford, Henderson, Trafford.
Defenders: Reece James, Livramento, Guehi, Konsa, Stones, Quansah, O’Reilly, Burn, Spence.
Midfielders: Rice, Elliot Anderson, Bellingham, Jordan Henderson, Rogers, Mainoo, Eze.
Forwards: Kane, Toney, Watkins, Saka, Madueke, Rashford, Anthony Gordon.
ReadAstonVilla Verdict
Three Villa players in England’s World Cup squad is the perfect individual recognition of a collective triumph. Konsa, Rogers and Watkins have all earned their places emphatically and will arrive at the tournament in North America on the back of a Europa League winner’s medal. England go to the World Cup with serious quality throughout and three players who know exactly what winning feels like.
