Shocking moment two Leeds United stars left out after England Head Coach Thomas Tuchel announces his squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Wembley Stadium.
*Shocking moment: Two Leeds United stars left out as Thomas Tuchel announces England’s 2026 World Cup squad at Wembley*
Thomas Tuchel’s first World Cup squad announcement had drama, surprises, and a gut punch for Leeds United fans. Announcing the 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Wembley Stadium on Friday morning, the England head coach left out two of Leeds’ standout performers from their Premier League return season.
*The Leeds names missing*
Leeds United captain *Ethan Ampadu* and striker *Dominic Calvert-Lewin* were both absent from the final 26. Both had been tipped as strong candidates after helping Leeds finish 15th in their first season back in the top flight.
Ampadu played 32 Premier League games, captaining the side with maturity beyond his 25 years. He’d been in Tuchel’s wider 35-man squad for the March friendlies against Uruguay and Japan but didn’t make the cut this time.
Calvert-Lewin’s omission is the bigger shock. After scoring 10 goals in 23 appearances for Leeds following his move from Everton, he’d clawed his way back into contention. Tuchel had him on the “departure lounge” list in April, but ultimately went with Harry Kane, Ollie Watkins, and Dominic Solanke up front. 65bc
“Two players who gave everything for Leeds this season, and they’re not on the plane,” one pundit said live on talkSPORT. “That’s how brutal World Cup selection is.”
*Tuchel’s explanation*
Speaking live from Wembley, Tuchel said the decisions were “as tough as they come” but based on balance and form over the last 10 weeks.
“Ethan has been excellent for Leeds, a real leader,” Tuchel said. “But in midfield we have Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, Elliot Anderson, and Kobbie Mainoo playing at a level we need for this tournament. It was a very close call.”
On Calvert-Lewin, Tuchel added: “He’s scored goals, no question. But we have Harry Kane’s form, Ollie Watkins’ consistency, and Dominic Solanke’s versatility. Dominic knows what he has to do to be back in September.”
Tuchel also confirmed he will contact all 55-60 players on his long list to explain why they missed out.
*Who made it instead*
Tuchel’s 26-man squad leans young and flexible. Jordan Pickford and Dean Henderson are the goalkeepers. In defence, Marc Guehi, Ezri Konsa, Dan Burn, and Ben White get the nod.
Midfield is packed: Bellingham, Rice, Anderson, Mainoo, James Garner, and Harvey Barnes make it. Up front, Kane, Watkins, Solanke, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Gordon, and Jarrod Bowen are included.
Notable returns include Danny Welbeck, who last played for England eight years ago, and Luke Shaw. Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jack Grealish, and Ivan Toney also miss out.
*Leeds reaction*
Leeds boss Daniel Farke said he was “disappointed but proud” of his players. “Ethan and Dom have been outstanding for us. Thomas has a lot of options. They’ll use this as motivation.”
Ampadu posted on Instagram shortly after: “Gutted not to be going, but proud of what we’ve done at Leeds. Back to work.” Calvert-Lewin kept it short: “Not this time. I’ll be ready.”
*What it means for England*
Tuchel is clear: reputation doesn’t guarantee a seat. He’s warned since March that big names could miss out if form drops. His squad has pace, versatility, and players who fit his 4-2-3-1 system.
England open against Croatia in Arlington on June 17, followed by Ghana and Panama in Group L. Tuchel will hope the gamble on youth pays off as England chase a first World Cup since
For Leeds, the snub stings. But for Ampadu and Calvert-Lewin, the door isn’t closed. Tuchel has said he’ll keep monitoring form through pre-season. If they start 2026/27 strongly, they could still be on the plane for the knockout stages.
For now, it’s a brutal reminder: in a World Cup year, every game matters.
