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England manager Thomas Tuchel is expected to make several high profile omissions when he announces his 26-man squad for this summer's World Cup on Friday, with Phil Foden and Cole Palmer among the players set to miss out.
Manchester United defender Harry Maguire is also expected to be absent from the squad. The 33-year-old reacted publicly to the decision, admitting he was deeply disappointed after believing he had done enough this season to earn a place in the team.
"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," Maguire wrote on Instagram. "I wish the players all the best."
Several players appear to have strengthened their chances of inclusion. Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins is expected to secure a place after playing an important role in his club's Europa League triumph on Wednesday. Al-Ahli forward Ivan Toney is also likely to make the squad after an impressive season in Saudi Arabia, where he has scored 32 goals in 32 league matches.
Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White is set to miss out despite enjoying a productive campaign. The midfielder has scored 14 Premier League goals this season, matching the totals of Watkins and Dominic Calvert-Lewin among England's leading scorers.
Foden and Palmer have struggled to consistently reach their best form this season. Manchester City star Foden has made 49 appearances for England but started only 22 league games this campaign, scoring seven goals and contributing five assists. Palmer has also endured a difficult season at Chelsea, with injuries affecting his progress despite managing nine league goals.
Luke Shaw is another notable player expected to be omitted despite earlier hopes of selection. Newcastle defender Dan Burn and Manchester City's Nico O'Reilly are reportedly among those pushing for places instead.
Chelsea defender Levi Colwill and AC Milan defender Fikayo Tomori may also miss out, while Arsenal winger Noni Madueke is expected to be selected alongside Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice and Eberechi Eze.
England begin preparations with friendly matches against New Zealand and Costa Rica before opening their World Cup campaign against Croatia on June 17, followed by group stage matches against Ghana and Panama.
