Thomas Tuchel has named his 26-man England squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and the selections have ignited fierce debate. Cole Palmer, Phil Foden, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Harry Maguire are among the most eye-catching omissions, while Ivan Toney's inclusion raised eyebrows across the football world.

Morgan Gibbs-White, Adam Wharton, Lewis Hall, Luke Shaw, and Jarrod Bowen also missed out as Tuchel made a series of bold calls ahead of England's opening Group B fixture against Croatia on June 17.

Here are 26 burning questions about Tuchel's 26.

1. Why Ivan Toney?

Toney has scored 32 goals in 32 appearances for Al Ahli in the Saudi Pro League, winning two league titles. He has played in demanding heat — conditions not unlike those England will face in North America — and he is one of international football's most reliable penalty takers. The call-up is surprising but not illogical.

2. Is the Saudi Pro League good enough?

Not elite, but not irrelevant either. N'Golo Kanté and Aymeric Laporte starred for France and Spain respectively at Euro 2024 while playing in Saudi Arabia. Toney also has fewer miles in his legs at the end of a European season — a potential advantage in a gruelling summer tournament.

3. Is the full-back situation a gamble?

A significant one. Reece James, Tino Livramento, and Djed Spence all carry fitness question marks. Quality is there in abundance; availability is a different matter. Jarell Quansah can fill in, but England's right side looks vulnerable — which only sharpens the question of why Trent Alexander-Arnold was left at home.

4. Did Harry Maguire handle his omission well?