Credit: Imago

Jack Dawson

Sat 23 May 2026 12:00, UK

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Morgan Gibbs-White was a surprise exclusion from England’s 2026 World Cup squad on Friday.

The Nottingham Forest midfielder has been one of the best players in the Premier League in recent months.

The attacking midfielder netted seven times and picked up two assists in all competitions in his last 10 matches, which helped secure the Reds’ place in the English top-flight for the 2026-27 campaign.

However, this was seemingly not enough for Thomas Tuchel, who left the 26-year-old out in favour of other players.

Yet, while Gibbs-White will obviously be distraught by the news, this could work in Forest’s favour ahead of the summer transfer window.

Morgan Gibbs-White has no chance to shine in 2026 World Cup

Ahead of the summer transfer window, one of Forest’s biggest tasks will be to keep hold of their star players.

Their poor finish in the league and lack of European football could help push players to seek moves elsewhere.

Gibbs-White is no doubt a player who will be determined to keep no matter what, and his England snub could help achieve this task.

If the 27-year-old played a starring role in the World Cup, it would have no doubt increased interest in the midfielder.

With this chance now taken from him, clubs could now potentially cool any interest, which will make it easier for Forest to hold onto Gibbs-White in the summer.

England boss Thomas Tuchel on his decision to omit Morgan Gibbs-White from his World Cup squad#nffc pic.twitter.com/WUCBKhTJ2r

— BBC Nottingham Sport (@BBCRNS) May 22, 2026

On top of this, Gibb-White is also less likely to pick up a potential injury, which could ensure that he will be fit for at least the start of the upcoming pre-season

Therefore, the Reds may be secretly pleased about his exclusion from the squad, as they prepare for the 2026-27 campaign.

Who is interested in Gibbs-White?

Football Insider exclusively revealed that Manchester United are interested in Gibbs-White.

However, Forest’s Premier League survival has been a blow to their transfer ambitions, with it now being significantly harder to lure him away from the City Ground.

Now, the Reds are increasingly confident of keeping their star man as they aim to climb back up the table next season.

However, it remains to be seen if any club attempts an ambitious swoop for Gibbs-White in the summer transfer window.