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Published: May 22 2026
Published at: 10:14Am
Source BBC Sports
Phil Foden, Cole Palmer and Trent Alexander-Arnold have not been included in Thomas Tuchel’s 26-man England squad for this summer’s World Cup.
Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has also been left out, with the 33-year-old saying he is “shocked and gutted” at the decision.
Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins is included – after helping his side win the Europa League on Wednesday – alongside Al-Ahli striker Ivan Toney, who has scored 32 goals in 32 games in the Saudi Arabian league this season.
Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White has missed out, despite being the top-scoring English player in the Premier League this season, alongside Watkins and Dominic Calvert-Lewin, on 14 goals.
Manchester City’s Foden and Chelsea’s Palmer – both attacking midfielders who can also play as forwards – have had inconsistent seasons.
In a post on Instagram, Maguire confirmed: “I was confident I could have played a major part this summer for my country after the season I’ve had. I’ve been left shocked and gutted by the decision. I wish the players all the best.”
Maguire’s mother Zoe posted on social media to express her disappointment, saying she was “disgusted” by the decision.
Maguire’s Manchester United team-mate Luke Shaw has also been omitted despite his impressive season.
Shaw was named in Tuchel’s 55-man provisional squad and there had been a clamour for his inclusion.
But, with Newcastle’s Dan Burn and Manchester City’s Nico O’Reilly being called up, Shaw is expected to miss out.
Chelsea defender Levi Colwill and AC Milan defender Fikayo Tomori are out, though Arsenal winger Noni Madueke has made the cut.
He joins his Premier League-winning team-mates Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice and Eberechi Eze, who is rewarded for his excellent form with a place in the 26.
Tottenham defender Djed Spence has also made Tuchel’s squad, meaning there is no place for Real Madrid’s Alexander-Arnold, Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly or Everton’s James Garner.
Spence, 25, suffered a broken jaw in Tottenham’s 2-1 defeat by Chelsea on Tuesday but is expected to wear a protective mask if he plays against Everton in the Premier League on Sunday.
The omissions of Maguire, Tomori and Colwill mean Manchester City defender John Stones has been included, despite his injury-disrupted campaign.
Tuchel views Stones as a key player but has been concerned about the departing Manchester City man’s fitness.
Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton is another to miss out, but Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo keeps his place in the squad after earning a recall for the previous friendlies.
Brentford midfielder Jordan Henderson, who has been a mainstay under Tuchel, keeps his place.
The World Cup, which takes place across the US, Mexico and Canada, starts on 11 June.
NPP Annuls Constituency Executive Elections in Three Constituencies, Refers Disputes to Electoral Affairs Committee
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Published: July 15, 2026
Published at: 3:55pm
Story by Saibu Terry
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has annulled the purported Constituency Executive Elections conducted in three constituencies, citing violations of party directives, election regulations, and, where applicable, existing court orders.
In a statement dated July 15, 2026, the party announced that the National Steering Committee took the decision after reviewing the conduct of the constituency executive elections held across the country over the weekend.
According to the statement, the annulled elections were held in Bantama, Afigya Sekyere East, and Adansi Asokwa constituencies.
The NPP said the elections in the affected constituencies were conducted in “flagrant disregard” of party directives, the rules and regulations governing the 2026 Constituency Executive Elections, and, in some instances, subsisting court orders.
The party further disclosed that the Ashanti Regional Steering Committee has been summoned to appear before the National Steering Committee on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, to explain the circumstances surrounding the conduct of the elections in the affected constituencies.
Additionally, the National Steering Committee has referred election-related issues in Asante Akyem Central, together with all other unresolved constituency election disputes, to the Electoral Affairs Committee of the National Council for advice and recommendations.
The NPP reiterated its commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring strict compliance with its constitution and regulations while preserving the integrity, credibility, and transparency of its internal democratic processes.
The statement was jointly signed by the party’s Acting National Chairman, Danquah Smith Buttey, and General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong.
NDC Northern Regional Elections Directorate Takes Over Tamale Central Branch Elections
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Published July 15, 2026
Published at: 3:27Pm
Story by Saibu Terry
The Northern Regional Elections Directorate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has announced that it has assumed full responsibility for all activities relating to the party’s branch elections in the Tamale Central Constituency with immediate effect.
In an official notice issued on Tuesday, the Directorate said the decision would remain in force until further notice, indicating that it will oversee and manage all aspects of the branch election process in the constituency.
The statement directed all party members, stakeholders, and interested persons to channel all communications, inquiries, and issues concerning the Tamale Central branch elections through the Northern Regional Elections Directorate.
While the notice did not state the reasons behind the decision, the Regional Elections Directorate appealed to members for their cooperation and understanding as it carries out its mandate.
The notice was signed by Dr. Arnold Mashud Abukari, the Northern Regional Director of Elections and IT of the NDC.
The latest development places the administration of the Tamale Central branch elections directly under the supervision of the regional leadership, pending further directives.
Ghana Drawn with Nigeria, Togo and Burkina Faso for WAFU B U-20 Championship
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Published: July 15, 2026
Published at: 2:15Pm
Story by Saibu Terry
Ghana’s Black Satellites have been drawn in a challenging Group B alongside regional rivals Nigeria, Togo and Burkina Faso for the 2026 WAFU B U-20 Championship, the qualifying tournament for the 2027 TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.
The draw was conducted on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at the headquarters of the West African Football Union (WAFU) Zone B in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
The Black Satellites will renew their fierce rivalry with Nigeria in what is expected to be one of the standout fixtures of the competition. Togo and Burkina Faso complete a highly competitive group, setting the stage for a demanding qualification campaign for the four-time African champions.
Group A consists of hosts Côte d’Ivoire, Benin and Niger, with the three nations also competing for a place at the continental championship.
The WAFU B U-20 Championship will feature all seven member associations of the zone and serves as the official qualifying tournament for the 2027 TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.
The 2027 CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations will be hosted by Ghana, adding extra significance to the Black Satellites’ campaign as they seek to qualify for the continental showpiece on home soil.