David Baddiel wades into England World Cup squad row as he leads fury over key Thomas Tuchel decision: 'Explain like I'm 5!'

Phil Foden and Cole Palmer are arguably the most striking absences, with both attacking midfielders paying the price for underwhelming club campaigns at Manchester City and Chelsea, respectively.

Trent Alexander-Arnold's exclusion marks his fourth consecutive omission from Tuchel's squads, while Harry Maguire has also been dropped despite his 66 international caps.

Perhaps the most unexpected inclusion sees Ivan Toney earn a recall after spending the past year with Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Ahli, where the striker has netted 42 goals since departing Brentford.

Maguire wasted little time in voicing his displeasure at the decision, taking to social media on Thursday evening to express his frustration.

"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," the Manchester United centre-back wrote on Instagram.

He added: "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."

The 33-year-old's relatives quickly rallied behind him online, with his mother Zoe declaring herself "absolutely disgusted" by the snub.

His brother Joe was equally forthright, describing the call as "possibly the worst decision I've ever seen in my life."

Djed Spence emerged as the final name added to the travelling party, earning selection ahead of Alexander-Arnold despite suffering a fractured jaw following a challenge from Chelsea's Liam Delap on Tuesday.

The Tottenham defender is expected to wear a protective face mask when he features this weekend.

Djed Spence with a broken jaw rather than Trent Alexander-Arnold. Explain it to me like I’m 5.

— David Baddiel (@Baddiel) May 22, 2026

With so much controversy surrounding Tuchel's picks, Baddiel was one famous face to publicly question his decisions.

The comic took particular issue with the inclusion of Spence over Alexander-Arnold. "Djed Spence with a broken jaw rather than Trent Alexander-Arnold. Explain it to me like I’m 5," he fumed.

One X user argued: "James, O’reilly, Liv are attacking fullbacks. As is TTA. Spence is the best one on one defender and brings a different option."

But Baddiel remained unconvinced, hitting back: "How has Spurs’ defence been this season?"

Tuchel has publicly stated his lack of trust in Alexander-Arnold's defensive capabilities, with the Real Madrid full-back having last appeared for England in June 2025.

The manager's preference for Spence appears rooted in the 24-year-old's versatility, with the ability to operate on either flank providing valuable cover for Reece James and Tino Livramento, both of whom have endured injury-disrupted seasons.

Livramento himself has been sidelined for the past month with a thigh problem, but still secured his place.

Toney joins Harry Kane and Ollie Watkins in a three-man striking contingent, with the Aston Villa forward earning his recall after netting ten times since being omitted from March's gathering.

The number 10 spots have gone to Jude Bellingham, Morgan Rogers and Eberechi Eze, with Tuchel reportedly harbouring concerns about Palmer's suitability for a camp potentially lasting seven weeks.

Kobbie Mainoo's impressive form for Manchester United since January secured his midfield spot alongside guaranteed selections Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson and Jordan Henderson.

Bukayo Saka and Noni Madueke were preferred to Jarrod Bowen on the right wing, while Marcus Rashford and Anthony Gordon will battle it out for the left-sided position.

England commence their Group L campaign against Croatia in Dallas on June 17, before facing Ghana on June 23 and Panama four days later.