What Will England’s Squad Look Like for the 2026 World Cup?
With the 2026 World Cup fast approaching, competition for places in the England squad is intensifying by the day. Thomas Tuchel has been a regular presence at Premier League grounds, closely monitoring potential candidates for his final selection.
Beyond the nailed-on starters such as Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, Tuchel faces difficult calls in almost every position. Let’s take a closer look at the leading contenders and the less obvious options for England’s final World Cup squad.
Gordon, Eze, Palmer: who joins Kane and Saka in attack?
The focal points of England’s attack remain Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka. It is almost impossible to imagine the team without “Hurricane” leading the line.
Saka, meanwhile, is the undisputed first choice on the wing for both club and country. Bookmakers agree that, barring injury, both players are virtually guaranteed places.
Given Tuchel’s preference for three attackers in either a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1, one spot in the front three remains up for grabs. The strongest candidates are Eberechi Eze and Cole Palmer. Eze has settled in superbly at Arsenal and is unlikely to regret his failed move to Tottenham Hotspur.
Palmer, despite a few unfortunate injuries this season, remains Chelsea’s attacking leader.
Marcus Rashford and Anthony Gordon are also firmly in contention. Rashford has managed to reboot his career in Spain, but inconsistency and tactical discipline remain weaknesses — potentially a major issue under the more dogmatic Tuchel.
Gordon, meanwhile, has been one of Newcastle United’s standout performers, tearing up the Champions League with five goals in six matches.
Ollie Watkins has been underwhelming in an otherwise excellent Aston Villa side, but the role of Kane’s understudy appears to suit him well.
Among the less obvious options are Jack Grealish and Dominic Solanke. If Grealish maintains his current output — 2 goals and 4 assists in 15 Premier League games — Tuchel could well take him as an impact player.
Solanke, who is due to return to training at the end of December, will have the entire second half of the season to prove his worth in a struggling Tottenham Hotspur side. Bookmakers give him little chance — the final call rests with Tuchel.
Wharton, Rice and Tuchel’s midfield options
England’s midfield currently rests on two pillars: Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham. Rice has become indispensable for Mikel Arteta, with Arsenal’s recent success built largely around him.
Bellingham has instantly established himself as a key figure at Real Madrid and a foundational player under Alonso. Tuchel is placing major hopes on Jude ahead of the upcoming tournament.
Another rising star, Adam Wharton, already looks one of the strongest candidates for inclusion. Having made his senior England debut in the autumn, the young midfielder is being tracked by top clubs in England, Germany and Spain — and Tuchel has made it clear he trusts him.
The situation is far less encouraging for Kobbie Mainoo, who has fallen out of favour at Manchester United after two breakthrough seasons.
In the run-up to the winter transfer window, Mainoo may well leave the club to prove his worth to Tuchel elsewhere. For now, Kobbie’s chances of making the cut are virtually zero.
Players based outside the Premier League traditionally find their odds reduced, and Conor Gallagher is another example. He has found his feet at Atletico Madrid but slipped from the English spotlight. Tuchel may yet take a closer look — Gallagher could provide valuable depth, and a partnership with Rice looks promising.
Trent or James? Defensive balance vs attacking variety
While the central defensive pairing appears settled — with John Stones and Marc Guehi likely to start in the United States — the full-back positions remain open.
Stones continues to be a key figure at the back, despite a gradual reduction in his role at Manchester City.
After a failed move to Liverpool in the summer, Guehi has remained one of the Premier League’s standout defenders and could well secure a move to a top club next autumn. A starting role for England looks likely.
Ezri Konsa should also be expected in the squad after an excellent qualifying campaign. His form for Aston Villa this season makes him an ideal deputy for Stones.
Left-back remains a problem position. Tuchel initially used Myles Lewis-Skelly, but the youngster has struggled for minutes and has yet to start a Premier League match this season.
Nico O’Reilly and Valentino Livramento appear to be the main competitors on the left. O’Reilly has displaced Nathan Aké at Manchester City, made his England debut late in qualifying and established himself as first choice.
Livramento has impressed as a key defensive figure for Newcastle United and earned his first senior caps in September.
On the right, competition initially looked like one of Tuchel’s biggest headaches. Trent Alexander-Arnold has struggled at Real Madrid and is currently sidelined with a long-term injury.
That leaves Reece James, whose versatility — including a successful spell in defensive midfield — makes him the leading candidate, despite ongoing fitness concerns.
The last line of defence: Pope or Henderson?
Goalkeeper is one of the least contentious positions. Jordan Pickford is almost certain to start and this is likely to be his final World Cup, given the competition behind him.
Dean Henderson and Nick Pope are battling for the backup role. Henderson has delivered consistent Premier League performances for several seasons and is widely seen as Pickford’s long-term successor.
Pope, now 33, will rely heavily on his second-half-of-the-season form. The Newcastle United goalkeeper is currently recovering from injury.
Despite limited game time, James Trafford also has a realistic chance. One of England’s most promising young goalkeepers, he made a poor club choice last summer and has become Gianluigi Donnarumma’s understudy. A potential winter move could yet put him back on Tuchel’s radar.
The veterans’ chances
A separate category includes experienced players who may see limited minutes but whose tournament know-how could prove decisive.
Jordan Henderson looks set to travel to the United States. The 35-year-old midfielder has not only returned from a short spell in Saudi Arabia but has become a near-automatic starter for Brentford.
Another veteran worth monitoring is Luke Shaw. After playing just seven matches last season, Shaw has re-established himself as Manchester United’s first-choice left-back in 2025/26, starting 17 league games. One of England’s standout performers at Euro 2021, he could yet challenge the younger O’Reilly and Livramento.
England’s current pool is among the strongest in recent years. While there are still a few debatable positions, Tuchel has a solid core of elite players and a generation of exciting young talents capable of shining at the 2026 World Cup.
Predicted England squad for the 2026 World Cup
Tuchel has a wealth of quality options across the pitch. Some players are automatic starters, while others could make the squad for more specific roles.
Potential England Squad for the 2026 World Cup
|
Player |
Odds |
|
Goalkeepers | |
|
Jordan Pickford |
1/20
|
|
Dean Henderson |
3/20
|
|
Defenders | |
|
John Stones |
1/5
|
|
Marc Guehi |
4/25
|
|
Ezri Konsa |
1/4
|
|
Dan Burn |
57/100
|
|
Nico O’Reilly |
5/4
|
|
Valentino Livramento |
11/10
|
|
Reece James |
33/100
|
|
Trent Alexander-Arnold |
6/5
|
|
Luke Shaw |
7/1
|
|
Midfielders | |
|
Declan Rice |
1/25
|
|
Jude Bellingham |
13/100
|
|
Jarrod Bowen |
11/25
|
|
Adam Wharton |
1/2
|
|
Jarrod Bowen |
11/25
|
|
Conor Gallagher |
4/1
|
|
Forwards | |
|
Harry Kane |
1/25
|
|
Bukayo Saka |
1/20
|
|
Phil Foden |
3/50
|
|
Anthony Gordon |
1/10
|
|
Cole Palmer |
7/50
|
|
Marcus Rashford |
3/10
|
|
Eberechi Eze |
33/100
|
|
Ollie Watkins |
83/100
|
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