Thomas Tuchel chose England squad of ‘specialists’ rather than individual talent

England manager Thomas Tuchel admitted he prioritised picking a team of “specialists” over individual talent after leaving a host of star names out of his World Cup squad.

Phil Foden, Cole Palmer and Trent Alexander-Arnold were headline omissions from the 26-man selection announced on Friday morning at Wembley.

Harry Maguire, Adam Wharton, Morgan Gibbs-White and Luke Shaw will also watch this summer’s tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico from home.

Tuchel openly acknowledged he had overlooked some of the country’s most gifted players as he seeks to build a team-first mentality and, ultimately, end England’s 60-year wait for World Cup glory.

“From day one we were very clear that we were trying to select and build the best possible team, which is not necessarily to select and collect the 26 most talented players,” he said.

“Teams win championships, it’s 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.

“I can assure every fan in the country that we have 26 100 per cent committed players in camp with us who know their role, who are ready to buy into their role on and off the pitch, and who are ready and committed to the idea of team spirit and being unselfish.”

Ollie Watkins and, most surprisingly, Ivan Toney earned recalls to provide back-up for captain Harry Kane but it was the absentees which provided the biggest talking points.

Amid fierce competition, creative duo Foden and Palmer paid the price for below-par club campaigns with Manchester City and Chelsea respectively.

Real Madrid right-back Alexander-Arnold was another bold omission, albeit a more predictable one having not won a cap since last summer.

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