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.

Liverpool have set a clear stance over the future of Rio Ngumoha, according to Fabrizio Romano, as Bayern Munich eye a transfer switch for the young winger.

The 17-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough campaign over the past season, following his switch from the Chelsea academy back in 2014.

Ngumoha made 19 Premier League appearances in his debut campaign, scoring two goals and assisting once, showing plenty of promise and bright sparks during an otherwise difficult season for Liverpool.

While the left-winger hasn’t become a regular starter just yet, there are signs that he could be the future there for the Reds, if he continues on his current trajectory.

However, that has also caught the attention of Bayern Munich.

Liverpool Set Rio Ngumoha Stance

Recent reports have stated that Bayern Munich have shown interest in a move for Ngumoha, outlining the young winger as a potential option in the summer transfer window.

The England youth international was viewed as a potential alternative to Anthony Gordon, after Bayern missed out on the forward to Barcelona in the market.

While Ngumoha is of interest, Liverpool have seemingly responded with defiance, making it clear that the 17-year-old is not available in the transfer window.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool have zero intention of negotiating a transfer fee or discussing the possibility of an exit for the winger in the transfer window, something that has been made clear to Bayern Munich.

The decision has been described as one made by the club, with Andoni Iraola yet to get into the details of transfer dealings for his new squad.

With a deal seen as “impossible”, Bayern Munich will need to look elsewhere, while Liverpool can continue planning their future with Ngumoha in mind.

That may also mean making a fresh decision over extending his stay, with a huge choice to be made in the coming months surrounding his deal.

Liverpool Face Ngumoha Contract Decision

Ngumoha only signed his first professional deal back in September of last year, outlining just how quickly the youngster has risen through the ranks at Liverpool.

While it was a clear triumph to agree such a contract, the difficulty is that at 17, he could only agree a three-year deal at most, meaning he is only contracted until 2028.

So, with 18-months left on Ngumoha’s deal, Liverpool may be considering the possibility of extending it further in the coming months, despite only recently signing a contract.

At 18 years old, players can sign contracts above the three-year limit, which is set for academy stars, a milestone that the winger will reach in late August this year.

That may prompt Liverpool to discuss the possibility of offering an extension, to avoid entering the final year next summer that could then result in an awkward transfer standoff.

It remains to be seen just how keen the club’s hierarchy would be to push for such a move, considering how recently a contract was signed, while the player may also consider his options with no rush to extend.

It sets up a long-term decision, but for now, Ngumoha is heading into next season as an important player for the future.