Thomas Tuchel has named his England World Cup squad.

England boss Thomas Tuchel has explained a World Cup squad striker decision amid a Leeds United star missing out.

Whites no 9 Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s excellent displays were rewarded with an England recall for March’s international friendly against Uruguay but the Leeds striker has not been named in Tuchel’s 26-man squad for the World Cup.

In terms of natural 9s, Harry Kane is instead supported by Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins and also former Brentford striker Ivan Toney whose selection was something of a surprise, the forward now plying his trade for Al-Ahli in the Saudi Pro League.

Tuchel was asked about Toney’s inclusion at Friday afternoon’s post-squad announcement press conference where the Three Lions boss explained why the 30-year-old ex-Bees striker had made the final squad.

Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka, Antony Gordon and Noni Madueke complete the attackers in the England manager’s squad.

As quoted by the BBC, Tuchel was asked about Toney’s surprise inclusion and said: “Also a bit of a surprise to us.

“When it came down to all different kinds of scenarios he was back in the picture.

“We could see that he still collects the numbers”

"I had fantastic feedback from his club coach, who was my player, and I have a close connection with him, always fantastic feedback about his role there, about his ability, his fitness.

“We could see that he still collects the numbers. I think he has very special skills that could help us, the situations, scenarios when we are chasing a result.

"I think he can be a very valuable addition to Harry Kane, he can be present in the box when we are pushing for a goal.

"He can take attention off other strikers, he has a natural presence within the box, he is a natural finisher, he can help us with set-pieces - he is very strong in there. Very good in using his body and not to forget, he is a world class penalty taker. He ticks some boxes that we wanted to be ticked."