Harry Maguire has been left out of England's World Cup squad by boss Thomas Tuchel, while Ivan Toney has earned a shock recall.
Maguire posted on social media: "I was confident I could [have] played a major part this summer for my country after the season I've had. I've been left shocked and gutted by the decision.
"I've loved nothing more than putting that shirt on and representing my country over the years. I wish the players, all the best this summer."
However, Sky Sports News understands that Toney, who has played just two minutes of football under Tuchel, is included in the final 26-man squad.
Maguire, who has 66 caps for his country, has battled his way back into the Man Utd XI, starting 14 of their last 16 Premier League games under Michael Carrick after losing his place during Ruben Amorim's tenure.
Maguire's upturn in form led to his recall to the England squad in March, where he impressed in the 1-1 draw with Uruguay and came on as an 83rd-minute sub in the 1-0 loss to Japan.
However, speaking after the Uruguay game, Tuchel hinted that Maguire was still down his pecking order at centre-back - naming four other players who were ahead of him.
"I got exactly what I thought, solid, solid central-defender play," he said of Maguire's performance. "That's what he does. Very good on the ball, very calm, strong in the air and in the weapon for set-pieces.
"I haven't changed my mind, but I see other players I like to start for us, I see other players ahead with a different profile.
"I see Ezri Konsa ahead, I see Marc Guehi ahead. It's no secret. I see Trevoh Chalobah on the level of mobility was slightly ahead of him.
"Also John Stones, but he had injuries, so he needed to come to camp."
Tuchel will name his 26-man squad for this summer's World Cup on Friday morning.
Sky Sports News also understands that Maugire's Man United team-mate Luke Shaw will not be part of the World Cup squad.
Toney to make shock Three Lions return
Toney has played just two minutes of international football since Euro 2024, and was not included in the last four of Tuchel's squad.
Toney's only appearance under Tuchel was a two-minute cameo against Senegal in June 2025.
The former Brentford striker has scored 32 goals in 32 Saudi Pro League games for Al-Ahli this season and told Sky Sports in February that he still harboured hopes of being included in the World Cup squad.
"It would mean a lot [to go to the World Cup]," Toney said.
"I have never played at a World Cup. It would be a dream; everyone dreams of that.
"If we were to win it, that would be so big for the country. You have visions of what could happen. If it comes true, it would be a blessing.
"Maybe [I could bring an advantage due to the heat]. There are great players in the squad and some top English strikers, so I guess everyone will have an opportunity, as everyone will be able to adapt to the heat, but you can say I'm a bit more used to it than others. It's tough because you have to change your game slightly.
"You can't be running around crazy because otherwise you run out of steam. You have to be more strategic with the runs you make.
"I guess I won't have to adapt. I've played in 30-plus degrees here, and I feel like I'm adapted to it. All I can do is keep scoring goals. That gives me the best chance possible."
'Surprising Maguire not seen as a top five centre-back'
Sky Sports News' Rob Dorsett:
"Harry Maguire has not been a mainstay of Thomas Tuchel's England even though he has been for so many years. He has played in three major tournaments. He’s won 66 caps. He’s been playing really well for Manchester United. He’s played 14 of the 16 games under Michael Carrick and the only two matches he missed was due to suspension.
“He played for England in the last two friendlies and was outstanding in those games, especially against Uruguay. I thought he had done enough to prove his worth, but straight after that game Tuchel came out and said that as far as he was concerned, Maguire was his fifth-choice centre-back.
“He is brutally honest. If you listen to what he’s said, it doesn’t come as a huge surprise. In terms of the experience he’s got, the form for Manchester United, he is fit and readily available - I’m surprised he’s not one of the top five centre-backs because I think Tuchel will pick five.
“We fully expect Marc Guehi and Ezri Konsa to be the first-choice. Dan Burn is probably going to be in there. Those three probably have one foot on the plane already. We are hearing suggestions that Levi Colwill might be included. John Stones, who we know Thomas Tuchel is a massive fan of, but he hasn’t played 90 minutes since August. Can Tuchel justify calling him up?
“There’s Jarell Quansah, Trevor Chalobah. There are options and it is difficult to guess what Tuchel is thinking. The vast majority of players who are expected to be in the squad haven’t been told yet.”
'I'm scratching my head to understand how Toney has made it in'
Sky Sports News' Rob Dorsett:
"Ivan Toney has not really featured under Thomas Tuchel in the 16 months he's been in charge. He played two minutes, and he came on in the 88th minute.
"Reports were suggesting that Ivan Toney felt a little bit humiliated when England were 3-1 down against Senegal, and he was brought on with a couple of minutes to go.
"That's the only football he's played for England since Tuchel has been in charge, and now we're being told that Ivan Toney is in England's World Cup squad.
"Okay, let's get over the shock and say what an extraordinary season Ivan Toney has had in the Saudi Pro League.
"In 49 matches, 42 goals. There's no doubt that he's in absolutely top form, and he's been tearing it up out in Saudi Arabia, but Thomas Tuchel had a look at him. He had him in that camp last June and gave him two minutes of football.
"What's changed between now and then? What did he see? Why didn't he give him more time out there? I'm scratching my head to try to understand what's going on here.
"There's no doubt that Ivan Toney is an absolute top-quality player, but all the predictions I had over this squad and Thomas Tuchel ripped those up. I thought there were 16 guaranteed names. Harry [Maguire] is not in. Ivan Toney is in. It's mind-blowing."
What's next for England?
England will depart for the United States on Monday, June 1, 16 days prior to their opening group encounter against Croatia (Wednesday, June 17).
They will be based in Swope Soccer Village in Kansas City, Missouri during the tournament.
England have World Cup warm-up matches with New Zealand on June 6 (9pm UK time) and Costa Rica on June 10 (9pm UK time) before their tournament opener against Croatia.
England's World Cup Group L games
- England vs Croatia - June 17, Dallas, 9pm (UK time)
- England vs Ghana - June 23, Boston, 9pm (UK time)
- Panama vs England - June 27, New York-New Jersey, 10pm (UK time)
World Cup key dates
- Group stage: June 11-27
- Round of 32: June 28 to July 3
- Round of 16: July 4-7
- Quarter-finals: July 9-11
- Semi-finals: July 14-15
- Third-place play-off ('Bronze final'): July 18
- Final: July 19
