Credit: Imago

Evan Lloyd

Fri 22 May 2026 9:56, UK

Follow us on Google Discover

Thomas Tuchel has opted against selecting Nottingham Forest captain Morgan Gibbs-White for this summer’s World Cup – and our analysis shows it is a big mistake.

The squad was officially announced on Friday and lacks several big names, including Cole Palmer and Phil Foden.

But Gibbs-White’s absence is among the most eye-catching, considering the staggering role he has played in Nottingham Forest’s safety.

Vitor Pereira’s side have avoided the drop partly thanks to the 11 goals the midfielder has scored since the turn of the year.

However, despite doing everything he could, the 26-year-old’s Nottingham Forest form has ultimately been ignored.

Thomas Tuchel has made a mistake

Football Insider exclusively revealed last month that Gibbs-White has attracted interest from Manchester United, and that is not the only potential suitor.

The likes of Manchester City have also been linked with a move for the Nottingham Forest midfielder, and for good reason.

Gibbs-White has put his team on his back for much of the second half of the season, producing a career-best number of goals when they needed him.

The 26-year-old has scored 17 and provided seven across all competitions this season, with 17 of those contributions coming in 2026.

It has been a superb few months for the midfielder, who, while not included in the March friendlies, may have expected Tuchel to recognise his form.

However, the German has chosen against taking Gibbs-White to the World Cup.

Very quickly, Tuchel is going to realise that he has made a mistake. Leaving out a leading presence, capable of turning in big games and with huge technical quality, makes very little sense at all.

Tuchel’s England squad selection analysed

Gibbs-White’s likely position for England would have been in the number eight/10 spot, despite him often playing on the left under Pereira.

In that position, Tuchel has selected Morgan Rogers and Eberechi Eze, two players who have enjoyed successful seasons.

But the issues in the England squad lie elsewhere. Jordan Henderson has inexplicably been selected for yet another major international tournament for his leadership qualities alone.

Noni Madueke’s inclusion has also stirred up significant discussion, considering the Arsenal winger’s two Premier League goals this season.

Gibbs-White will still have chances to make it to major international tournaments in the future, but this snub will not be swallowed easily.