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Yesterday — 22 May 2026CaughtOffside

Surprise World Cup news as Germany legend with “aura and quality” comes out of retirement

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By:Mark Brus
22 May 2026 at 20:33

There’s some surprise World Cup news this afternoon as legendary goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has come out of international retirement to join the Germany squad.

The 40-year-old remains the number one goalkeeper for Bayern Munich, but has not featured for Germany since his side’s defeat to Spain two years ago at Euro 2024.

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Still, BBC Sport now report that Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann has recalled Neuer for this summer’s tournament, and that he’ll be the team’s number one in the tournament in North America.

Germany are so often among the favourites for the major international tournaments and a quick glance at the latest World Cup 2026 winner odds will show that they’re up there, even if not quite in that elite bracket with France, Spain, and England at the moment.

Including an experienced winner like Neuer will surely help, though, and there’s a great deal of quality elsewhere in that squad.

Germany’s World Cup 2026 squad – who’s in and who’s out?

Nagelsmann has made some interesting calls with the Germany squad, as Neuer returns and other experienced big names like Leroy Sane, Leon Goretzka, Antonio Rudiger, Joshua Kimmich, and Kai Havertz are also there too.

There are notable players missing as well, though, with no space in the squad for Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Niclas Fullkrug, Karim Adeyemi, or Kevin Schade.

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You can see the full World Cup group stage draw here as Germany are placed in Group E with Curacao, Ivory Coast, and Ecuador.

On paper at least, that looks like a decent draw for the four-time winners of this competition, who will then hope for a favourable draw in the knockout stages as they look to improve after a disappointing last few tournaments.

Germany last won the World Cup in 2014 but went out at the group stage in the following two World Cups, while they made the semi-finals of Euro 2016 but were out at the round of 16 in 2021, and the quarter-finals in 2024.

Nagelsmann’s side are in strong form going into this year’s tournament as they’re currently on a run of seven straight wins, but it’s about time they started showing what they’re capable of at the very highest level, rather than just in international friendlies and qualifying matches.

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Marcus Rashford clarifies apparent dig at Man United after World Cup call-up

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By:Mark Brus
22 May 2026 at 17:07

Manchester United star Marcus Rashford appeared to aim a dig at the club after being called up for England’s World Cup squad.

Rashford is part of Thomas Tuchel’s side for the upcoming tournament after an impressive spell on loan at Barcelona this season, despite struggling for some time towards the end of his spell with Man Utd.

Although technically still a United player, Rashford hasn’t featured for the club since the first half of last season, as he spent the second part of the 2024/25 campaign on loan at Aston Villa before then leaving for another loan to Barca in the summer.

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Marcus Rashford’s Instagram dig at Manchester United

It seems Rashford really didn’t leave Old Trafford on great terms, as he has now posted on Instagram thanking his managers at Villa, Barcelona, and England, and making no mention of United at all…

Marcus Rashford's Instagram post
Marcus Rashford’s Instagram post

Rashford has done well to turn his career around after struggling at United, so it seems he really made the right choice to leave for a new challenge.

UPDATE: Rashford has now posted again to clarify that this post wasn’t intended as a dig at United, and that he remains a fan of the club:

To make my IG story clear. It's not a dig of any sort! I'm a MU supporter, and that remains. I was showing gratitude to the clubs and coaches that I have worked with over the past 18 months, they have played a big role in this ??????? call up.

— MR14 (@MarcusRashford) May 22, 2026

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Can Marcus Rashford shine at the 2026 World Cup?

Rashford can play out wide or up front so looks like he has the potential to be a key player for England this summer.

The 28-year-old has just won La Liga with Barcelona, contributing a total of 14 goals and 10 assists in all competitions.

It remains to be seen if he’ll stay at the Nou Camp permanently, but he looks back to his best and fully deserving of a place in the England squad.

While it’s perhaps not guaranteed, it seems likely that Rashford will be in Tuchel’s starting line up for most games, playing on the left of a front three alongside Harry Kane as the central striker, and Bukayo Saka on the right.

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England squad confirmed: Man United & Chelsea stars among big names to miss the World Cup

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By:Mark Brus
22 May 2026 at 13:02

Today’s major World Cup news has broken as England manager Thomas Tuchel has officially announced his squad for the upcoming tournament in North America.

As expected, one big name to be left out is Manchester United defender Harry Maguire, as had previously been reported by BBC Sport ahead of the official confirmation.

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The 33-year-old posted to social media last night to express his surprise and disappointment at Tuchel’s decision, while his mother Zoe also put out a post on X saying she was “disgusted”.

See below for the full official England squad that will be heading to this summer’s World Cup…

Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford (Everton), Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), James Trafford (Manchester City)

Defenders: Reece James (Chelsea), Tino Livramento (Newcastle), Marc Guehi (Manchester City), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), John Stones (Manchester City), Jarell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen), Nico O’Reilly (Manchester City), Dan Burn (Newcastle), Djed Spence (Tottenham Hotspur)

Midfielders: Declan Rice (Arsenal), Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Jordan Henderson (Brentford), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United)

Forwards: Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Ivan Toney (Al-Ahli), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Noni Madueke (Arsenal), Marcus Rashford (Barcelona), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle), Eberechi Eze (Arsenal)

Why did Harry Maguire miss out on England squad?

According to the Times, there could be multiple reasons for Maguire ultimately failing to make the England squad, with one of them tactical, and the other to do with his mentality.

The report suggests Tuchel wants to play a high line with more ‘mobile’ defenders, so it’s probably fair to say that Maguire wouldn’t be the best fit for that kind of system, though some might argue that he’d still have an important role to play off the field, even if he didn’t make it into the starting XI.

Another issue is supposedly the player’s ego, according to the Times, with the reaction of Maguire and his family perhaps illustrating precisely why there are some question-marks over his character.

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Will England regret snubs for Palmer and Foden?

England will also be without some big names in Cole Palmer and Phil Foden this summer – two elite talents capable of influencing the biggest games.

And yet, you could probably just about argue that they don’t deserve to be included based on their recent form, even if it’s a gamble that could really backfire if the Three Lions look like lacking spark in the final third.

Arguably more surprising are snubs for in-form players like Morgan Gibbs-White and Adam Wharton, whilst old favourites like Jordan Henderson continue to make it in.

Arsenal’s Noni Madueke is also one of the more surprising inclusions after a pretty underwhelming season at the Emirates Stadium, so it seems perhaps hard to justify him being in there ahead of Palmer and Foden, even if they haven’t been at their best.

Trent Alexander-Arnold has also missed out, having suffered a dip in form since leaving Liverpool for Real Madrid last summer.

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Trent Alexander-Arnold expected to left out of World Cup squad as Liverpool exit continues to backfire

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By:Mark Brus
22 May 2026 at 11:29

Trent Alexander-Arnold is reportedly expected to miss out on a place in England’s squad for the World Cup 2026 this summer.

The 27-year-old left Liverpool for Real Madrid last summer after running down his contract, and it increasingly looks like he made a mistake to seek a move away from Anfield.

Alexander-Arnold was a beloved star player at Liverpool after rising up through the club’s academy, but things haven’t quite gone to plan for him with an underwhelming trophyless campaign at the Bernabeu this term.

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And now, it seems Trent is set to be dealt the further blow of missing out on a place in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for this summer’s World Cup, according to Paul Joyce…

Trent Alexander Arnold expected to be left out of England squad

— paul joyce (@_pauljoyce) May 22, 2026

“Trent Alexander Arnold expected to be left out of England squad,” Joyce posted on X this morning.

This would have been unthinkable a few years ago, with Alexander-Arnold arguably one of the most naturally gifted players in the country, but this is now what we’re expected to hear when the squad is officially announced later on this morning.

Other England World Cup squad news

According to BBC Sport, a few other big names also look set to be snubbed by Tuchel this morning.

Cole Palmer and Phil Foden are reported to be out of the squad, as well as experienced defender Harry Maguire.

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In-form Premier League midfield duo Morgan Gibbs-White and Adam Wharton are also said to have missed out on selection.

The BBC posted the below as the squad they’re expecting to see announced today:

Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford (Everton), Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), James Trafford (Manchester City)

Defenders: Reece James (Chelsea), Tino Livramento (Newcastle), Marc Guehi (Manchester City), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), John Stones (Manchester City), Jarell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen), Nico O’Reilly (Manchester City), Dan Burn (Newcastle), Djed Spence (Tottenham)

Midfielders: Declan Rice (Arsenal), Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Jordan Henderson (Brentford), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United)

Forwards: Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Ivan Toney (Al-Ahli), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Noni Madueke (Arsenal), Marcus Rashford (Barcelona), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle), Eberechi Eze (Arsenal)

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“Shocked and gutted” – Man United star hits out at England World Cup squad snub

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By:Mark Brus
22 May 2026 at 09:32

Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has posted on X to express his disappointment and surprise at not making England’s 2026 World Cup squad.

The 33-year-old has been a key player for his country down the years, winning a total of 66 caps between 2017 and 2026, and representing the team at two other World Cups, as well as two European Championships.

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Still, it now looks like Maguire will not be involved this summer as BBC Sport have received some leaked information on Thomas Tuchel’s squad ahead of today’s official announcement.

Maguire is not the only big name who’ll be missing out, with the likes of Phil Foden and Cole Palmer also not making it in, but the Man United star has released a statement making it clear how unhappy he is with the decision.

Harry Maguire’s statement on England World Cup snub

Posting to his official account on X, Maguire said: “I was confident I could of 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 was confident I could of 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… pic.twitter.com/9X7asAkCFF

— Harry Maguire (@HarryMaguire93) May 21, 2026

“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.”

Maguire has had his ups and downs over the years, but this somewhat surprising World Cup snub comes after the player’s return to form for the Red Devils this season.

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The former Leicester City man recently signed a new contract with Man Utd, as confirmed on their official site, having well and truly earned another chance to show how important he can be at Old Trafford.

It will be interesting to see how this summer’s tournament goes for England and if Tuchel ends up living to regret this decision.

England’s World Cup squad – who’s in and who’s out?

While we’re still awaiting the final confirmed squad, BBC Sport have clearly received some information ahead of the announcement.

There are some big calls by Tuchel, and a lot of fans are likely to be left slightly baffled and frustrated by a few of these decisions.

Who’s in?

While there’s no room for Maguire, it’s thought that John Stones is likely to be in despite injuries and reduced playing time for Manchester City recently. Jordan Henderson is also expected to keep his place, while Noni Madueke should also be in despite a pretty underwhelming season for Arsenal. Others like Kobbie Mainoo, Dan Burn, Eberechi Eze, and Nico O’Reilly are also likely to be in, while we can of course expect England regulars such as Harry Kane and Declan Rice to be there.

Who’s out?

As mentioned, there’s no room for Maguire, Foden, or Palmer. Another Man United player expected to miss out is Luke Shaw, while other high-profile defenders unlikely to make it are Fikayo Tomori and Levi Colwill. Other slightly surprising omissions include in-form midfielders Morgan Gibbs-White and Adam Wharton.

England’s expected World Cup squad in full

Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford (Everton), Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), James Trafford (Manchester City)

Defenders: Reece James (Chelsea), Tino Livramento (Newcastle), Marc Guehi (Manchester City), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), John Stones (Manchester City), Jarell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen), Nico O’Reilly (Manchester City), Dan Burn (Newcastle)

Midfielders: Declan Rice (Arsenal), Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Jordan Henderson (Brentford), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United)

Forwards: Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Ivan Toney (Al-Ahli), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Noni Madueke (Arsenal), Marcus Rashford (Barcelona), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle), Eberechi Eze (Arsenal)

England have been drawn in Group L alongside Ghana, Panama, and Croatia.

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