Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterIts fair to say there were a few fans exhibiting feelings of disgruntlement when England boss Thomas Tuchel announced his squad for this summers World Cup.Manchester United centre-back Harry Maguire, for one, was left shocked and gutted by his omission, having been included by the German head coach for the previous March international camp.Another eyebrow-raiser was the inclusion of 35-year-old Jordan Henderson, who has started just over half of Brentfords games in the Premier League this season. You may like No Phil Foden, no Cole Palmer - has Thomas Tuchel got big England World Cup squad calls right? Thomas Tuchel's divisive England World Cup 2026 squad is match-fit but short on fresh legs People look at Trent Alexander-Arnold defensively and think that hes not as good as others. Id pick him every day of the week for what he gives you going forward Stephen Warnock on why the Real Madrid man must be picked for the World Cup Get a Surfshark VPN in time for the World Cup HERE!Pick up an extra three months of service and up to a $30 (�22) Amazon Gift Card when purchasing a two-year subscription plan.View DealAdam Wharton performance raises questions for Thomas TuchelWe all know that for a perfect international squad, a mix of experience and youthfulness is required Henderson adding plenty of the former, with his 88 Three Lions caps but he hasnt appeared in a major international tournament since 2022, left out by Gareth Southgate at Euro 2024.However, its less about what Henderson can offer and more about the talent that his taken seat leaves peering through the plane window.Watch the Eagles soar Jean-Philippe Mateta with a priceless goal to give Crystal Palace the lead TNT Sports and HBO Max pic.twitter.com/ZZ3KZ1wI8DMay 27, 2026One of the key names among the jilted crew is, of course, Adam Wharton, whose performance for Crystal Palace in the Conference League final wont make Tuchels decision any easier to justify.Across the 90 minutes at the Red Bull Arena in Leipzig against Rayo Vallecano, the 22-year-old ran the midfield, completing the vast majority of his passes many of them into the final third winning duels, and seeing himself dispossessed just once.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.To top off a fine performance, it was the former Blackburn Rovers man who opened up the space to take a shot from outside of the box, forcing Augusto Batalla to parry into the path of goalscorer Jean-Philippe Mateta.Thats just part of football. It was never a guarantee I was going to go [to the World Cup], Wharton said of his England omission after the full-time whistle. Im not going to sit here and cry about it.I dont really dwell on them things too much. Its not the end of the world, Im still young. Hopefully theres other tournaments and World Cups that I can go to in the future. What to read next England squad World Cup 2026: Thomas Tuchel's final 26-man selection Five England players who face last chance to impress Thomas Tuchel tonight Thomas Tuchel addresses Arsenal teenager Max Dowman's England pathway "I'm not going to sit here and cry about it" Adam Wharton speaks about missing out on the England squad for the World Cup pic.twitter.com/pOarsni769May 28, 2026Its clear Wharton has taken the news better than some Three Lions supporters, but his words in that press conference were uttered with a downcast tone.In FourFourTwos opinion, while on current forecasts there will certainly be other opportunities for Wharton, it does feel at present that hed be more likely to impact England than Henderson.It feels as though Henderson could perhaps have travelled as a coach or trainer, in a similar role to goalkeeper Jason Steele, and Tuchel could then have had the best of both worlds presuming Hendersons minutes on the pitch will be limited.His contribution remains to be seen at the tournament, but if the Brentford man isnt used, or is and doesnt make the required impact, dont be shocked when Tuchel has to field some difficult questions.TOPICSJordan HendersonEnglandCrystal PalaceBrentfordWorld Cup 2026Isaac Stacey StrongeSocial Links NavigationFreelance WriterIsaac Stacey Stronge is a freelance football writer working for FourFourTwo, Manchester United and Football League World. He has been a season ticket holder at Stockport County throughout the Hatters meteoric rise from the National League North to League One and is a die-hard Paddy Madden fan.
