Morgan Gibbs-White breaks silence on World Cup snub after doing 'more than enough' to earn call-up
Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White admitted he "got on the wrong side" of Thomas Tuchel's opinion as he spoke about missing out on England's World Cup squad for the first time.
Tuchel's decision to drop one of the Premier League's most in-form players from his 26-man squad has come under huge scrutiny.
This season, no English midfielder has scored more league goals than Gibbs-White (15), with his superb free-kick against Bournemouth on Sunday being a prime example of what he could bring to the national team.
To put his numbers into further perspective, the 26-year-old has twice as many goals and assists in 2026 as any of his rival No 10s, which include Morgan Rodgers, Jude Bellingham and Eberechi Eze.
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However, Tuchel decided against bringing one of England's best ball-carriers to the World Cup – and many believe he was hard done by, including the man himself.
Speaking after Sunday's final whistle, Gibbs-White spoke about his heartbreaking omission.
“I know myself that I have done more than enough to be in the squad," he said. "I got on the wrong side of someone’s opinion. I have been on the wrong side of people’s opinions throughout my career, so I’m only going to bounce back."
"We had a good conversation," added Gibbs-White. "I respect him [Tuchel] for calling me and telling me the news. I agreed with what he had to say. I’m glad the season is behind us now, I’m going to concentrate on the summer.”
A section of Nottingham Forest fans voiced their displeasure at Tuchel's decision-making during their clash against Bournemouth, as they sang a derogatory chant that was aimed at the England boss.
Why did Thomas Tuchel omit Morgan Gibbs-White from his World Cup squad?
In his press conference on Friday, Tuchel said leaving Gibbs-White out of his plans was a difficult decision.
Speaking about some of those who were left out, the German said there was little point in taking five No 10s only for them to end up playing in different positions.
"We had to pick a squad that we love and we really believe in," he said. "It comes down to who do we really trust? Who set the standards? Who formed the leadership group?”
Tuchel added: "The best possible team is not necessarily the 26 most talented names. I can assure every fan in the country we have 26 players who are 100 per cent committed, and know their role, and are committed to the idea of team spirit and being unselfish."
Gibbs-White, meanwhile, did not expect to be selected, according to a report from The Athletic, which claimed sources close to the player highlighted what they consider to be 'a lack of opportunities when he has been called up by Tuchel'.
An absence of contact in recent weeks also led them to believe he had 'little chance' of making the final squad.
Topics: England, FIFA World Cup, Thomas Tuchel
Jack Kenmare