Carragher’s World Cup Wishlist: England’s 26 Named, Arsenal Duo Left Out

England World Cup Selections Under Carragher

Jamie Carragher, the former Liverpool defender, has urged England boss Thomas Tuchel to omit Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke from the Three Lions' World Cup 2026 squad.

England are drawn in Group 12 at the tournament to be staged next summer in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, alongside Croatia, Ghana, and Panama.

Carragher offered initial tips to Tuchel ahead of England's opener with Croatia in Texas, naming a 26‑man squad for the finals.

Speaking on Sky Sports, the ex‑Red highlighted ten players, including Jordan Pickford, Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, and Harry Kane, while acknowledging that some calls would spark debate.

On the wing, he said he preferred Cole Palmer, Marcus Rashford, and Phil Foden, but he left out Eze and Madueke, adding: "Cole Palmer isn't a regular starter, but he's a terrific player".

He continued: "Things aren’t going well for him at Chelsea because of injuries, but remember his display against PSG in the Club World Cup final. He was outstanding and even scored in the Euro 2024 final for England".

Carragher also argued that Phil Foden deserves a place, but you cannot pair both Foden and Palmer in the same XI; he suggested Anthony Gordon and Rashford as alternatives.

Midfield selections were equally challenging, with Bellingham and Rice alongside Elliott Anderson from Nottingham Forest, plus an unexpected inclusion in Coby Mino from Manchester United despite a difficult season.

In explaining his choice, Carragher said it depended on form in the last two matches and what he had contributed for England; he even referenced playing in a final.

Among the controversial inclusions was former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson, with Carragher noting that while Henderson may not fit Brentford's style, in a 26-man squad he could be a surprising link between staff and players.

The proposed England squad for the World Cup was listed as follows: Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford, Dean Henderson, James Trafford. Defenders: Reece James, Luke Shaw, Trent Alexander‑Arnold, Tino Livramento, Marc Guehi, Ezri Konsa, Trevoh Chalobah, Harry Maguire. Midfielders: Elliott Anderson, Declan Rice, Jordan Henderson, Adam Warton, Coby Mino, Morgan Rogers, Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham, Cole Palmer, Phil Foden, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Gordon. Forwards: Harry Kane, Ollie Watkins.

Punchline time: If 26 players are heading to a World Cup, that’s not depth — that’s a medical squad for every possible injury and a few pedicures for the bench.
Punchline 2: Tuchel’s laptop will need its own travel case—because every time Carragher talks, the squad list grows legs and walks onto the page.