Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has named his 26-man England squad for the 2026 World Cup, making a number of controversial selections including notable snubs and surprise inclusions
Daniel Orme Trends Writer
15:02, 27 Jan 2026
Trent Alexander-Arnold is trying to win a place in England's World Cup squad
Trent Alexander-Arnold is trying to win a place in England's World Cup squad(Image: Getty Images)
Jamie Carragher has suggested that Eberechi Eze ought to be excluded from England's World Cup squad - but Trent Alexander-Arnold has made the cut.
The Three Lions commence their campaign in just under five months, with Thomas Tuchel already contemplating his roster. However, the former Liverpool defender has provided the German boss with some guidance ahead of England's Group L curtain-raiser against Croatia in Texas.
Appearing on Sky Sports with ex-Chelsea forward Jimmy-Floyd Hasselbaink, he assembled a 26-man squad. Among his choices, he identified 10 guaranteed selections, including the likes of Jordan Pickford, Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane, and others.
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Several additional picks proved rather more challenging, though. One area of contention was England's wide positions, where Carragher opted for Cole Palmer, Marcus Rashford, and Phil Foden, whilst omitting Arsenal pair Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke.
Carragher remarked: "Cole Palmer is not a certainty, but he is a wonderful footballer. It is not going well for him at Chelsea with injuries, but remember his performance against PSG in the Club World Cup final. He was out of this world.
"He has scored in a final (for England, Euro 2024). He goes. For me, Phil Foden goes too. But you couldn't play them both (Foden and Palmer) in the same team. I think Rashford, and I had a decision... I don't think the outsiders have done enough.
Jamie Carragher has offered his opinion
Jamie Carragher has offered his opinion(Image: Getty Images)
"I decided to go with Anthony Gordon - he has been the go-to guy. He needs to add more goals, but him ahead of (Noni) Madueke, who I don't think will play enough football."
Carragher also faced several tough choices regarding his midfield selections alongside Bellingham, Rice and Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson. One unexpected inclusion was Manchester United's Kobbie Mainoo, despite his challenging campaign.
Justifying his decision, Carragher explained: "It is on his (last) two performances, but what he has done for England. He has played in a final. He has to have a good run, but what we saw him do for England, the Netherlands game (Euro 2024 semifinal), his performance that night at such a young age... it was like he was playing with his mates. I couldn't believe it."
Another eyebrow-raising selection was former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson. Carragher commented: "Henderson isn't in the Brentford team, but, when you talk about 26 players, I think you can.
"He's not just in there for the football - he has had an amazing England career - he may be taken as a wildcard, be a bridge between the coaching and playing staff."
Jamie Carragher's full England squad
Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford, Dean Henderson, James Trafford
Defenders: Reece James, Lewis Hall, Luke Shaw, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Tino Livramento, Marc Guehi, Ezri Konsa, Trevoh Chalobah, Harry Maguire
Midfielders: Elliot Anderson, Declan Rice, Jordan Henderson, Adam Wharton, Kobbie Mainoo, Morgan Rogers, Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham, Cole Palmer, Phil Foden, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Gordon
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Forwards: Harry Kane, Ollie Watkins