John Terry says 11 England players lack World Cup quality

John Terry, former England captain, criticised England manager Thomas Tuchel's 26‑man World Cup squad, claiming eleven members are not good enough to win the tournament. He said only thirteen to fifteen players can deliver a World Cup victory. The squad arrived in the United States last week. Terry highlighted the exclusion of Phil Foden, Cole Palmer and Harry Maguire, noting their under‑whelming club seasons and March internationals. He praised Tuchel for making “big decisions” despite their unpopularity. He added that the likes of Morgan Rogers and Jude Bellingham benefited from the form dip of the omitted players. Terry argued that experienced figures such as Maguire and Luke Shaw should feature in major roles. He pointed to left‑back Nico O'Reilly’s debut tournament and said Shaw’s presence would help him settle. He concluded that selecting the best players is essential for deeper World Cup runs. The announced England squad lists goalkeepers Jordan Pickford, Dean Henderson and James Trafford; defenders Reece James, Tino Livramento, John Stones, Marc Guehi, Ezri Konsa, Dan Burn, Jarell Quansah, Djed Spence and Nico O'Reilly; midfielders Elliott Anderson, Jordan Henderson, Declan Rice, Kobbie Mainoo, Eberechi Eze, Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers; forwards Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke, Anthony Gordon, Marcus Rashford, Harry Kane, Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney.