The "Jolly English" squad will face Ghana in Foxborough on June 23.
By Hayden Bird
3 minutes to read
Come together, right now, except Cole Palmer: The World Cup kickoff is weeks away, and the latest squad announcement video emerged in very (jolly) English way.
Having not won a World Cup since 1966, England are hoping to end their drought this summer when the tournament is held in North America. This will include a June 23 matchup with Ghana in Foxborough at “Boston Stadium” (FIFA’s confusing label for Gillette Stadium).
The team’s Friday morning squad announcement — revealing the 26 players who will feature on England’s World Cup roster — was done in a fitting format: Using the Beatles’ iconic song, “Come Together.” An interview clip of John Lennon is used to introduce the “jolly” English:
Framed by a jogger wearing an England jersey running through the streets of New York (among other scenes), the Beatles tune soars as names for the squad are cleverly revealed on taxi cab signs, cowboy boots, and other American-themed items.
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Of course, beyond the well-produced video, the names on the squad have drawn controversy. This is especially true for some of the names who are conspicuously absent from the list.
It’s official. Your #ThreeLions players heading to the @FIFAWorldCup! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/lqsDBYSP4X
— England (@England) May 22, 2026
Higher-profile players like Trent Alexander-Arnold, Harry Maguire, Cole Palmer and Phil Foden were all left off the final list named by England manager Thomas Tuchel.
Included were a few surprises, like striker Ivan Toney (who plays in Saudi Arabia, and has only played seven minutes for England during Tuchel’s 16 months in the job). Tottenham full-back Djed Spence made the cut even though he suffered a broken jaw earlier this week.
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Given the inevitable focus on the tournament by the wider English public, the unorthodox decisions will be met with intense scrutiny (particularly if the team fails to impress early in the World Cup).
Still, Tuchel might be drawing inspiration from the Beatles, prioritizing the collective over the individual in an effort to create something truly great.
“I think from day one we were very clear we were trying to select and build the best possible team,” he told reporters on Friday. “It is not necessarily to select the most talented 26 players. Teams win championships.”
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) May 22, 2026“Teams win championships.”
Thomas Tuchel on the need for “balance” in his 26-man World Cup squad, as discusses why he left out several high-profile names 🏴 pic.twitter.com/Qu4hTLD77K
Trivia: What English-born player is the fourth all-time leading scorer in Patriots history?
(Answer at the bottom).
Hint: Kicker.
Scores and schedules:
The Red Sox begin a three-game series at Fenway Park against the Twins tonight at 7:10 p.m.
Legacy FC will play at Centreville Bank Stadium in Pawtucket this evening against Seattle Reign FC at 8 p.m.
And on Saturday, the Revolution face Charlotte FC on the road at 7:30 p.m.
More from Boston.com:
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Norway’s squad: On Thursday, one of the other notable reveals (of a team that’s also coming to Boston) was Norway. King Harald V read the names included on the Norwegian roster as the team prepares for its first men’s tournament appearance in 28 years.
On this day: In 2004, Manny Ramirez hit a tape-measure blast to help Pedro Martinez and the Red Sox defeat the Blue Jays 5-2.
May 22, 2004. Manny Ramirez puts a baseball onto the Mass Pike against the Blue Jays. pic.twitter.com/lPOiGEkJS0
— Mark Dondero (@MarkDondero) May 22, 2026
Daily highlight: Enjoy this fun (if unorthodox) double play that Merrimack baseball turned on Thursday.
— Merrimack Baseball (@MerrimackBSB) May 21, 2026
Trivia answer: John Smith
Hayden Bird is a sports staff writer for Boston.com, where he has worked since 2016. He covers all things sports in New England.
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