One of England’s former star players shares his honest thoughts on the World Cup squad

When Thomas Tuchel announced his 2026 World Cup squad for England, not everyone was on board. Former England defender Micah Richards says he understands the manager’s reasoning, but he doesn’t fully agree with the final choices. Richards believes the squad could have been a little stronger with one key change.

Richards gets the logic but has his own opinion

Richards made it clear that he respects Tuchel’s decisions as a coach, but he also has a strong personal view on who should have made the cut.

• He noted that both Cole Palmer and Phil Foden are incredibly talented players who can change a game.
• Richards says he would have picked one of them — either Palmer or Foden — instead of leaving them both out.
• He added that the balance of the squad might be better with a creative midfielder who can unlock tight defenses.

For Richards, it’s not about disrespecting Tuchel’s choices, but about wanting England to have every possible weapon in a big tournament.

Why Palmer and Foden spark such a big debate

Both Cole Palmer and Phil Foden have been in top form for their clubs, and fans often call for them to start for England. Their playing styles are different, but both offer something special.

• Palmer has been a breakout star, known for his calm finishing and clever passes.
• Foden brings experience and creativity from Manchester City’s system, able to drift into dangerous spaces.
• Some experts argue that having both in the squad could create a logjam, while others say you can never have too many match-winners.

Richards falls into the second camp, believing that one of them should have been on the plane to the World Cup.

What this means for England’s chances at the World Cup

With Tuchel’s squad now set, the debate will likely continue until the tournament begins. But Richards’ disagreement shows that even former players can have strong feelings about squad selection.

Ultimately, the manager has to make tough calls, and every coach faces criticism. What matters most is how the chosen players perform on the pitch. If they win, everyone will forget the debate. If they struggle, questions about leaving Palmer or Foden at home might get even louder.