Predicted: England’s 2026 World Cup Squad | OneFootball

With just one camp left until Thomas Tuchel decides on his final World Cup squad, there are twenty-six spaces up for grabs in the England ranks.

The Three Lions are on a run of seven wins from seven in their qualifying campaign and are yet to concede a goal. The team looks exciting – could 2026 finally be England’s year?

Based on Tuchel’s past team selection, previous squads and words of wisdom, which players make the squad, and who will be overlooked?

Goalkeepers

It’s standard for three goalkeepers to make the squad, and these may be Tuchel’s easiest picks, with no real challengers playing week in, week out.

Jordan Pickford – The Everton goalkeeper is set to start his fifth successive tournament in net for England – the ever-reliable shot-stopper hasn’t conceded for his country in over a year.

Dean Henderson – Crystal Palace’s goalkeeper, but also a key player for the Eagles – has had a great couple of years and, barring an injury, is set to make the England squad.

Nick Pope – If Pope returns to the Newcastle team in place of competitor Aaron Ramsdale, he’s a certainty to be in the England make-up.

Defenders

With Tuchel looking likely to set up with four defenders in his backline, having good choices will be key in building a base for victory.

Marc Guehi – It’s set to be a busy summer for Crystal Palace captain Guehi, who will be looking to impress scouts for potential new clubs. Rumours that Liverpool, Real Madrid and more are circling – a good tournament could make the world of difference for him and the Three Lions.

John Stones – The injury-prone defender is fantastic when fully fit and could be a great staple in the England defence. A partnership with either Guehi or Konsa could be difficult to beat.

Ezri Konsa – The Aston Villa defender has played in all but one game since Tuchel became England boss, and that was a 3-1 loss to Senegal. Certainty in the final squad.

Dan Burn – Very much a backup option, Burn will be in the squad for some aerial presence and versatility, able to play at left back too. A great member for the group.

Reece James – Clearly Thomas Tuchel’s favoured right back, if kept fit Reece James is one of the best wide defenders in world football. A great defensive and offensive option.

Trent Alexander-Arnold – A great versatile option, Alexander-Arnold can play at right back and in midfield if need be. If England are chasing a game, he’d be a great substitution to bring on to deliver passes into the final third.

Tino Livramento – A great player on the left and right side of the defence, Livramento is an excellent wing-back and can stretch teams. Even as a right-footed left back, he is good at attacking the outside of defenders.

Myles Lewis-Skelly – The team will be in need of a good left-footed out-and-out full-back, which Lewis-Skelly is. Whether he starts or not, he’ll add balance to the defence.

Midfielders

The midfield – where teams win and lose tournaments. Get the right selection, and England will be able to dictate games, which they’ve struggled to do against the likes of France and Spain in recent tournaments.

Adam Wharton – One of the most underrated players in the England setup, Wharton is an excellent technical defensive midfielder. If he starts, he’ll be an excellent part of the team.

Elliot Anderson – Labelled by Thomas Tuchel as ‘one of the best midfielders in the Premier League’, Anderson has been his favoured player in the engine room. A partnership with Declan Rice looks a certainty.

Jordan Henderson – A great squad player with experience winning silverware, Henderson is a great option for the England squad. Often underappreciated.

Declan Rice – One of the nailed-on starters. Rice is one of the best midfielders in world football and will be crucial for this England side if they want to come home victorious.

Jude Bellingham – All the talk has been over whether Bellingham will start, and he certainly has tough competition – but everybody knows how good the Real Madrid star can be.

Phil Foden – Thomas Tuchel named Phil Foden as a central playmaker in his eyes – he will battle Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers for that all-important role.

Morgan Rogers – A player who has been excellent under Thomas Tuchel so far – that spot is his to lose, but he has some serious names fighting to take it back!

FORWARDS

The frontline will all need to be on form for England to win the tournament, and providing Harry Kane with sufficient support could be enough to do that.

Bukayo Saka – Manager Tuchel has demanded more goals from Arsenal’s star boy, and he has delivered that in an England shirt lately. More to come from the winger.

Jarrod Bowen – A goalscoring winger, Jarrod Bowen provides a different dynamic on the right side of the frontline and could be a great squad option for England.

Cole Palmer – Somebody who has struggled to take a consistent spot in the England starting eleven, Palmer is world-class on his day and could be crucial in moments.

Eberechi Eze – An excellent option across the frontline behind the striker, Eze can provide those magical moments – just what a squad needs in big situations.

Marcus Rashford – Now of FC Barcelona, Rashford has looked back to his best in an England shirt and could be the starting left winger at the World Cup.

Anthony Gordon – Another fantastic, direct option on the left side, Gordon will be hoping to make the left winger spot his but has struggled with injuries as of late.

Ollie Watkins – The backup to Kane, Watkins will be ready for those big moments – like he was in the semi-final of Euro 2024. A great player to have against tiring legs.

Harry Kane – England’s all-time top scorer. Nothing more to be said.

Notable Exclusions: Aaron Ramsdale, James Trafford, Jarell Quansah, Trevoh Chalobah, Luke Shaw, Djed Spence, Nico O’Reilly, Alex Scott, Morgan Gibbs-White, Jack Grealish, Noni Madueke

Predicted xi

Round pegs in round holes – a balanced side that could be capable of winning the World Cup.

Thomas Tuchel has the most complete squad the country has had in years at his disposal. It’s down to him to get them ready for a tournament in the sweltering heat – it will be tough, but it is his one shot.