John Terry has cast doubts over England’s chances at the 2026 World Cup after seeing Thomas Tuchel leave three players out of his 26-man squad.

The Three Lions will take on Croatia, Ghana and Panama in Group L before potentially facing a nightmare route to the final. There was a lot of talk about some of the high-profile absentees from Tuchel’s squad, with the German insisting on picking the best ‘team’, rather than a group of the most talented individuals.

Now Terry, a 78-cap England international, has expressed his ‘worries’ heading into the tournament, which starts in less than a week.

John Terry Baffled By 3 England Absences at the World Cup

Speaking on his TikTok channel ahead of the World Cup, the legendary Chelsea captain has questioned some of the decisions made by the German boss. He first claimed Manchester United’s Harry Maguire would ‘100% be in my England team’, saying:

The defender was an ever-present at the heart of Gareth Southgate’s backline at Euro 2020, while also being an impressive performer at the last two World Cups. He was unfortunate to miss out on Euro 2024 due to injury, but has now been left out by the new boss.

He’s not the only wrongly omitted player in Terry’s eyes. Both Cole Palmer and Phil Foden were also shock exclusions when Tuchel announced his squad list. The defender-turned-pundit believes the ‘best’ players should always be selected.

He said: “Cole Palmer. I think as an England side we miss players like this that can come on and change the game or have that little bit of magic. I know Cole and Foden haven’t been in the best of form this season, but I would always take my best players to the World Cup and those two are certainly there for me.

“We’re talking games that are going to be boiling hot. Moments and special players coming on the pitch for 20 minutes to change the game, there’s no better than those two in the Premier League. They would have definitely been on my list.”

Why John Terry is ‘Worried’ About England’s Chances

Looking at the 26 names over in the United States to represent his country, Terry only believes 13 or 14 can realistically start matches. “There’s probably 13 or 14 players that can start for England in the big, big games. I look at the players that are fringe players, and that worries me a little bit.”

That’s what is concerning the ex-captain. He went on to explain that having a proven player with big game experience to take off the bench would’ve been extremely beneficial to Tuchel. He continued:

FIFA have made a number of controversial decisions in the lead-up to the 2026 World Cup, and their decision to ban football fans from bringing water bottles into stadiums has perhaps been the most controversial of them all.

The sport’s global governing body made the decision despite the extreme heat that is expected in North America over the next month-and-a-half.

Justifying their decision, FIFA said: “FIFA is committed to protecting the health and safety of all players, referees, fans, volunteers and staff. FIFA made the decision to prohibit bottles to prevent risk and injury to players and attendees.

“Outside bottles are already prohibited at several of these venues for safety considerations and FIFA is applying this consideration across its tournament stadiums.

“FIFA works closely with each host city committee and local authorities on heat mitigation factors for fans travelling to the stadium, which can include resources such as misting stations, fans, hydration stations, cooling tents and more around the stadium footprint.

“Inside the stadium footprint, pricing for water bottles for the FIFA World Cup 2026 will remain consistent with other events held at each stadium.”

Keir Starmer Slams FIFA

FIFA’s decision sparked widespread backlash, with Keir Starmer among the high-profile names that urged them to make a U-turn. The President of the United Kingdom said, per ESPN: “It’s just wrong. And I can’t help but think that it’s about making money.

“I would call on FIFA to just look again at this. Think about it. Think of the fans. They are football fans from all sorts of backgrounds across our country, across the world. They’re already spending a fortune getting there. They’ve got to pay a lot for tickets, too much in my book.”

FIFA Make Partial U-Turn on Water Bottles

FIFA have now partially backtracked on the policy, with specific water bottles now being allowed inside stadiums inside the USA and Canada. A post from the governing body said, per the Independent: “All fans will be permitted to bring in one, soft, plastic, 20 ounces (590ml), factory sealed disposable water bottle into any Fifa World Cup 2026 match in the USA and Canada.”

2026 World Cup chief operating officer, Heimo Schirgi added: “What is not allowed are hard-sided resealable water containers, which could pose a safety and security risk.”

The new rule does not apply to venues located in Mexico, though.

New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani has welcomed FIFA’s U-turn. He told the Athletic: “I’m glad that FIFA decided to reverse this policy and allow water bottles to be brought into World Cup games.

“No one should have to fear being priced out of being hydrated, especially fans who are often waiting for hours before a game in extreme heat.”

The World Cup will begin on June 11, with the winner of the competition being crowned on July 19.

Federico Chiesa appears to have leaked the news that one of his Liverpool teammates is looking to move away from Anfield this summer.

The Italian forward isn’t certain to be at the club when the 2026-27 season starts, having struggled to break into the starting XI under Arne Slot. Andoni Iraola’s appointment signals a new start for everyone at the club, but some players are still expected to move on.

Switching from Slot’s more controlled style to Iraola’s high-intensity football won’t suit everyone at Liverpool. Recent comments made by Chiesa have suggested one long-term Reds star is heading towards the exit.

Federico Chiesa Reveals Liverpool Star’s Transfer Plans

Just days after the new head coach was announced, Chiesa has told Italian media that English midfielder Curtis Jones has asked him about life in Italy. It comes after speculation over a potential move to Inter Milan.

It was no secret that Jones, a boyhood Liverpool fan, wasn’t the biggest fan of Slot. The pair appeared to fall out, leading to the England international seeking a move to Milan in January.

While it didn’t work in the winter transfer window, Chiesa seems to have ‘confirmed’ the Serie A giants are still keen on his colleague. Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport, the 28-year-old revealed that Jones has asked him about living in Italy, and said Inter are ‘right to think about him’:

Alisson’s Liverpool Future Cleared Up

Another man in the Reds’ first-team squad who has been linked with a switch to Italy is Brazilian shot-stopper Alisson Becker. The veteran goalkeeper previously spent two years at AS Roma before moving to Anfield in 2018.

Some fans even believed Virgil van Dijk leaked the 33-year-old’s departure in an end-of-season social media post. Alisson was said to be on Juventus’ radar, but Chiesa believes the Brazil international will be staying put.

He told the Italian publication: “Alisson? From what I hear, he’s staying in England: then we’ll see. We’re talking about one of the top five goalkeepers in the world. He’s a fantastic leader, he’s won everything and he makes the difference on the pitch and in the dressing room. I spent a lot of time with him and Mac Allister.”