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.

Arsenal’s title success has given Mikel Arteta breathing room, but the club’s recruitment team are already mapping out reinforcements for next season. According to The Guardian, their top striker target this summer is Bournemouth teenager Junior Kroupi. The 19-year-old’s breakthrough campaign attracted attention after he scored in Bournemouth’s 1–1 draw with Manchester City, a goal that helped clinch the title for Arsenal.

The report suggests Kroupi could command a fee of around £80 million ($107 million). Arsenal value his versatility; he can operate centrally and on the left, an area the squad must improve. Barcelona, Manchester City, Chelsea and Real Madrid are all said to be interested, so any move would face significant competition.

Kroupi is only one of several forward options being considered. Interest in Julián Alvarez dates back to last summer, and while Barcelona remain the front-runners should he depart Atlético Madrid, Arsenal now see themselves as genuine contenders. Alvarez offers a blend of attributes described in the original report: the clinical edge of Viktor Gyökeres, the hold-up play of Kai Havertz and the positional intelligence of Gabriel Jesus. After a 29-goal debut season with Atléti, he has added a further 20 goals this term and an impressive 10 assists.

The left wing is identified as a priority. Gabriel Martinelli has struggled this season and could be sold, while Leandro Trossard is 31 and faces a contract expiry next summer. Paris Saint-Germain’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is viewed as a dream signing but appears unlikely, so Bradley Barcola is floated as a realistic alternative. The 23-year-old has been PSG’s fourth-choice forward, produced 39 goal involvements last season and supplied another 21 this term.

If Martinelli and Trossard leave, Arsenal would likely need two left wingers; Barcola and Anthony Gordon are named as possibilities. Gordon has been linked amid exit rumours from Newcastle United and recorded 17 goals and five assists across all competitions, with 10 goals in the Champions League while often deployed up front.

Midfield depth is also on the agenda. Sandro Tonali was offered to Arsenal in January after Mikel Merino’s long-term injury, though a deal did not materialise. Tonali remains a target for Manchester United and Chelsea, and would complement a midfield containing Declan Rice, Martín Zubimendi and Martin Ødegaard. The clear message is that Arsenal want to build depth to sustain multiple-title challenges.

Tuesday night brought a milestone for Arsenal as the club secured its first Premier League title in 22 years. Players and staff gathered in front of a television at the Sobha Training Center to watch, then celebrated with champagne, a rendition of Queen’s “We are the Champions” and embraces. The occasion also prompted public praise for the manager who led the team to the summit.

Former players singled out Mikel Arteta for his tactical approach, sustained belief and for guiding the club back to the top of English football. Several alumni offered reflections and congratulations in print, on social platforms and in broadcast interviews.

Dani Ceballos, the 29-year-old midfielder who spent two seasons at Arsenal after joining on loan from Real Madrid in 2019 and returning for 2020–21, was among the first to pay tribute. He recorded two goals and six assists in 77 matches for the Gunners and is now back with Real Madrid, where he is under contract until June 2027. “Congratulations to Arsenal, the players and the fans for winning the league title,” he wrote on X Tuesday night.

“Especially to Mikel Arteta. You always believed in the club and worked harder than anyone to achieve this. You deserve it, boss.”

Granit Xhaka, the former Arsenal captain and Swiss international who joined in 2016 from Borussia Monchengladbach and spent seven years at the club before departing after the 2022–23 season, also posted praise. He left with a tally of 23 goals and 29 assists across 297 appearances and now plays for Sunderland in a key starting role. “A special team, great players, and a club that never stopped believing, but this is all because of you, Mikel,” he posted on his Instagram story , alongside a photo of him hugging Arteta.

“To everyone who doubted you, give this man and this coach the respect he deserves. Congratulations to the whole Arsenal family.”

Ian Wright, the former Arsenal forward turned English media personality who spent seven seasons at the club between 1991 and 1998 and made 296 appearances, reflected on Arteta’s impact in broadcast comments. “What can I say, Mikel,” Wright said to Stan Sport. “Unbelievable. For what he’s done. Almost visionary what he’s done.

“He came in and turned everything around, got the owners on the [same] side, got the fans on side, got players out and players in. Stuck to his principles. It’s amazing.”

Former centre back Matthew Upson, now 47, who played at Arsenal from 1997 to 2003 after beginning at Luton Town in Bedfordshire and helped the team record six clean sheets in 34 Premier League appearances across those seasons, added: “Arteta has been desperate for it, it’s a big body of work to get them to this place,” Upson told BBC Radio 5 Live . “I’m very happy for him in particular. ]”