Kyle Walker has expressed genuine surprise at Thomas Tuchel's decision to exclude Phil Foden, Harry Maguire, and Trent Alexander-Arnold from England's 26-man World Cup squad. The former Manchester City defender, speaking on talkSPORT, questioned the tactical reasoning behind omitting three established international stars ahead of the tournament in North America.
Walker focused initial criticism on Foden's exclusion, acknowledging the winger's inconsistency at club level under Pep Guardiola this season. "It's a shock to me because I know what Phil can do on a day-to-day basis," Walker explained. He argued that Foden's best position remains the No.10 role—operating in the pockets of midfield—rather than his traditional wide berths. The 34-year-old suggested Foden has been unfortunate waiting for David Silva and Kevin De Bruyne's departures to secure that central attacking spot, and wondered if this club-level frustration influenced Tuchel's selection.
Maguire's Dismissal a "Tough Pill"
Regarding Maguire's omission, Walker offered a more sympathetic assessment. The Manchester United centre-back has enjoyed an impressive resurgence this season, earning praise for his leadership and consistency in the Premier League. "If you'd have told me six months ago he'd have been left out, I'd probably say that's fair enough," Walker noted. "But for what he's done this season, and especially where Manchester United are, you kind of thought he'd get a good running to that squad."
Walker highlighted Maguire's tournament experience and mental resilience as undervalued assets. He pointed to the defender's record of stepping up in penalty shootouts across major competitions, demonstrating his character and commitment to England. "It's a very tough pill for him to swallow," Walker acknowledged, recognizing the difficult phone conversation Maguire would have endured.
Real Madrid Star Alexander-Arnold Left Out
The exclusion of Alexander-Arnold drew perhaps the most bewildered response from Walker. A player representing Real Madrid, one of European football's elite institutions, missing England selection seemed almost unprecedented. "If you were to say a player that plays for Real Madrid doesn't get into the England fold, it's kind of unheard of," Walker stated. Despite an injury-disrupted campaign in La Liga, the full-back's absence raised eyebrows across the football landscape.
Walker ultimately called for unity behind Tuchel's regime, recognizing the manager's authority in these selections. He urged supporters to back the squad collectively, arguing that internal doubt would only undermine preparation for the World Cup. "The more that we get behind the lads, the better it's going to be," he concluded, accepting Tuchel's decision while maintaining his reservations about the sporting logic.
