Harry Redknapp’s ‘German Spy’ Tuchel Jibe Goes Viral After Cole Palmer, Phil Foden Dropped From England’s World Cup Squad

A video clip of former Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp has resurfaced on social media platform X, attracting renewed attention following reports that England manager Thomas Tuchel is set to exclude a number of prominent domestic players from his final World Cup squad.

In the footage, Redknapp is heard saying: “Honestly, I think he is a German spy. Seriously, he’s been sent over to f*** us up.” The remarks, originally made in a light-hearted context, have taken on new significance among England supporters reacting to the anticipated squad decisions.

Tuchel is expected to confirm his final 26-man selection on Friday. According to reports, Chelsea forward Cole Palmer and Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden will not feature in that group. Palmer contributed 10 goals for Chelsea during the season, while Foden — a key figure in City’s recent successes — started just 22 matches for his club during what was described as a mixed campaign.

Defenders Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire are also reportedly set to miss out, along with Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White, Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton, and Newcastle United left-back Lewis Hall, sources suggest.

The Athletic reports that several surprise inclusions are expected to fill the void left by those high-profile omissions. Al-Ahli striker Ivan Toney is said to have earned a recall after a remarkable run of form in Saudi Arabia, where he scored 42 goals. Newcastle United defender Dan Burn and Manchester City youngster Nico O’Reilly are also reportedly among the surprise call-ups.

England will use warm-up friendlies against New Zealand and Costa Rica to build squad cohesion ahead of their tournament opener. The Three Lions begin their 2026 World Cup group campaign on June 17 against Croatia, with further fixtures against Ghana and Panama to follow.

Tuchel took charge of the England national team in January 2025, succeeding Gareth Southgate, who stepped down following England’s defeat in the UEFA Euro 2024 final. The German coach, who previously managed Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, and Bayern Munich at club level, has faced ongoing scrutiny over his player selections and man-management approach since taking the role.

The exclusion of Palmer, in particular, has drawn widespread commentary. The 22-year-old was one of the standout performers in the Premier League this season and had been widely expected to feature prominently in Tuchel’s plans for the tournament. Foden, a key part of England’s squad in recent major tournaments, also finds himself on the outside looking in, according to reports.

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, England’s preparations are entering their final phase. The squad’s response to the surprise selections — and the notable absences — will be closely monitored when Tuchel’s confirmed list is officially released on Friday.