Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad announcement has prompted sharp debate over England’s midfield composition. The depth of options is clear, but several high-profile omissions and a handful of trusted inclusions have defined the list.

Cole Palmer is the absence attracting most attention. Once considered a near-certain pick for North America, an injury-hit start to the 2025–26 campaign interrupted his rhythm. He never fully recovered amid the chaos at Stamford Bridge and has been brutally axed by ex-Blues boss Tuchel.

Nottingham Forest talisman Morgan Gibbs-White was also left out despite a remarkable goalscoring campaign; the 26-year-old appeared to have hit form at the perfect time. Manchester City’s Phil Foden is another notable absentee. Deeper in midfield, Adam Wharton’s omission surprised many after another fine season at Crystal Palace. Strong campaigns from Bournemouth’s Alex Scott and Everton’s James Garner likewise went unrewarded.

Conor Gallagher and Curtis Jones, who have featured in previous squads, were judged not convincing enough this time. James Maddison never stood a chance after missing almost the entirety of the term through injury.

Jordan Henderson’s selection has drawn widespread ire. The 35-year-old is not even a guaranteed starter for Brentford, yet Tuchel has included him for his off-field character and leadership. “He’s unlikely to see too much game time, but he’s a valuable presence in the dressing room.” Whether that presence justifies a place is open to debate.

Among those who did make the cut, Kobbie Mainoo’s technical ability and progressive ball-carrying mark him out as a valuable midfield option after his Euro 2024 breakthrough. Ruben Amorim’s handling of the Manchester United youngster briefly threatened his place, but Michael Carrick’s subsequent reinvigoration returned him to consideration.

Eberechi Eze, typically deployed on the left wing for England but by trade an attacking midfielder, and Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers, a powerful and direct attacking option, offer distinct profiles. Elliot Anderson’s early England impact suggested he can bridge defence and attack, providing the kind of transitional mettle England may need at a major tournament.

Chelsea are preparing to pursue compensation from Manchester City if Enzo Maresca is appointed as Pep Guardiola’s successor this summer.

The club’s decision follows a turbulent start to the 2025–26 campaign after Maresca’s acrimonious and unforeseen exit from Stamford Bridge in January. Reports in the Telegraph say Chelsea’s argument rests on an allegation that Maresca informed the club of discussions with Manchester City while he remained employed by Chelsea.

Those close to Maresca have told The Guardian that Chelsea would be “entitled to demand a sizeable compensation package” if City appoint him. Compensation demands are routine where a manager under contract is the subject of interest from another club, though the circumstances here are different.

Maresca is no longer employed by Chelsea, which complicates the standard model for compensation. Nevertheless, the club could attempt to show a causal or perceived link between his departure in January and a later move to Manchester City, even with several months between events.

The rapid breakdown of the relationship between Maresca and Chelsea has not been publicly explained in detail. The published reports suggest the club sees potential culpability in what is described as external contact prior to his departure.

Chelsea co-owner Behdad Eghbali has spoken publicly about the exit, saying Maresca wasn’t fired and his departure was “not a change [Chelsea] wanted to make.” He added that he could not say more for legal reasons.

If Chelsea proceed, the dispute would hinge on the timing and content of conversations that reportedly took place while Maresca was employed at Stamford Bridge and on whether those discussions justify a claim against Manchester City. Any formal legal action would aim to secure compensation should City complete an appointment that follows those reports.

Italian influence in English football has often been visible but comparatively rare when it comes to lifting the Premier League trophy. Only four Italian managers have won the title, and just three Italians have collected winners’ medals as players.

Carlo Ancelotti delivered the first Premier League success for an Italian in 2009-10. His Chelsea side finished a point clear of Manchester United, scoring 103 goals across the season and sealing the title with an 8–0 win over Wigan Athletic on the final day. Chelsea followed that triumph with an FA Cup victory six days later, conceding only once in that cup run.

Roberto Mancini presided over one of the division’s most dramatic conclusions in 2011-12. Manchester City needed victory on the final day to overhaul Manchester United. Trailing Queens Park Rangers 2–1 in stoppage time, Edin Džeko levelled in the 92nd minute and Sergio Agüero scored two minutes later to secure City their first Premier League crown and their first top-flight title since 1968.

Claudio Ranieri achieved the most improbable title success with Leicester City in 2015-16. Pre-season odds had placed the Foxes at 5000/1, yet Ranieri’s team prevailed ahead of Arsenal, Tottenham, Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United. A direct approach, astute recruitment and team spirit, with key contributions from N’Golo Kanté, Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez and important roles for Wes Morgan, Christian Fuchs, Danny Drinkwater and Shinji Okazaki, powered that campaign.

Antonio Conte won the Premier League in his first season in England after his 2016 appointment at Chelsea. The title was secured at the Hawthorns in May courtesy of a rare Michy Batshuayi goal. Conte’s side held off a strong Tottenham challenge with important contributions from Eden Hazard and Diego Costa.

As players, Mario Balotelli was the first Italian to earn a Premier League winner’s medal with Manchester City in 2011-12, scoring 13 goals in 23 appearances and providing the assist for the title-clinching finish at the end of that season. Federico Chiesa won the league with Liverpool in 2024-25, making six Premier League appearances including one start. Riccardo Calafiori was part of Arsenal’s title-winning squad in 2025-26.