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Michael Owen Backs Tuchel's England Squad Selection and Names His All-Time World Cup XI

Michael Owen has backed Thomas Tuchel's England squad selection despite high-profile omissions sparking debate among fans.

Asude Karataş • 10 Haziran 2026 02:01 • 3 dk okuma • 14 görüntülenme

Former England striker Michael Owen has defended Thomas Tuchel's World Cup squad selections, arguing the manager's tactical approach prioritises attacking versatility over individual talent quantity. Owen simultaneously released his all-time World Cup XI, selecting legendary goalkeeper Gordon Banks and omitting high-profile names including Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappe and Bobby Moore.

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Owen's Stance on Tuchel's Selection Strategy
The All-Time World Cup XI

Owen's Stance on Tuchel's Selection Strategy

Owen expressed confidence in Tuchel's approach despite England fans questioning the exclusion of Cole Palmer, Phil Foden, Harry Maguire and Morgan Gibbs-White. The former Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain manager has previously stated his role does not require selecting the 26 most talented players available.

Owen highlighted England's attacking depth as the team's primary strength heading into the tournament. He indicated preference for rotating front-line players including Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham and Jarrod Sheu to maintain freshness. Owen noted that incorporating either Palmer or Foden could have strengthened this approach, though he expressed acceptance of Tuchel's inclusion of Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney alongside Harry Kane across the attacking positions.

The All-Time World Cup XI

In his historic XI selection, Owen chose Gordon Banks in goal, recognising the England legend's crucial role in the nation's 1966 World Cup triumph and his legendary save against Pelé during the 1970 quarter-final against Brazil. The full-back positions went to Brazilian icons Cafu and Roberto Carlos, each representing the technical and physical standards set by World Cup football's elite.

Owen selected Franz Beckenbauer and Paolo Maldini as centre-backs, bypassing England's 1966 captain Bobby Moore. Beckenbauer led West Germany to the 1974 title, while Maldini remains among football's greatest defenders despite never claiming the World Cup trophy, having narrowly missed Italy's 2006 victory. Midfield and attacking roles featured Zinedine Zidane, whose two-goal performance carried France to the 1998 final against Brazil and whose influence extended to the 2006 final appearance.

The combined medal count across Owen's selection totals 14 World Cup honours, reflecting a team assembled from the tournament's most decorated performers across multiple generations.

Why did Tuchel exclude Cole Palmer and Phil Foden from the England squad?+

Tuchel has stated his selection philosophy does not necessarily require picking the 26 most talented available players. His approach prioritises tactical fit and squad balance rather than individual talent accumulation.

Who made Owen's all-time World Cup XI?+

Owen selected Gordon Banks in goal, full-backs Cafu and Roberto Carlos, centre-backs Franz Beckenbauer and Paolo Maldini, with Zinedine Zidane among the attacking players. The XI contains 14 combined World Cup medals.

How many international caps did Michael Owen earn for England?+

Owen earned 89 caps for England, scoring 40 goals across his international career. He featured in five major tournaments, including his famous goal against Argentina in the 1998 World Cup.

Which England players did Owen suggest for attacking rotations?+

Owen highlighted Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham, Jarrod Sheu and Noni Madueke as rotation options alongside Harry Kane to maintain squad freshness throughout tournament matches.

Why was Bobby Moore excluded from Owen's World Cup XI?+

Although Moore captained England to their 1966 World Cup victory, Owen prioritised Franz Beckenbauer and Paolo Maldini at centre-back, selecting players who represented the highest defensive standards across World Cup history.

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