With just over nine months to go until the start of the 2026 World Cup, we have picked out our predicted 23-man squad for England.
Former Chelsea and Bayern Munich head coach Thomas Tuchel has plenty of quality options to choose from as he aims to deliver a first major trophy since 1966 for the Three Lions.
Currently priced at 7/1 , England are among the favourites in the World Cup betting, but who will be on the plane to North America when the tournament comes around next summer?
Here, we examine the contenders and predict Tuchel’s 23-man squad.
Goalkeepers
Jordan Pickford, Dean Henderson, James Trafford
With 76 caps to his name, Everton’s Jordan Pickford is England’s number one and, barring injury, he will be keeping the gloves for the World Cup.
Dean Henderson’s stock has risen over the last few seasons and with the Englishman now settled at Crystal Palace he will be the Three Lions’ back-up option.
The third goalkeeper role in the squad is likely to be fought out between Manchester City’s James Trafford and Newcastle United loanee Aaron Ramsdale.
Trafford was being tipped to challenge Pickford for the gloves after signing for the Citizens this summer, but the addition of Gianluigi Donnarumma is set to see his playing time reduced.
If Ramsdale can dislodge Nick Pope as Newcastle’s first choice, with the latter seemingly not a player Tuchel is interested in, then he could make the final cut, but Trafford currently holds a narrow edge over the former Arsenal man.
Defenders
Trent Alexander-Arnold, Reece James, Tino Livramento, Lewis Hall, Marc Guehi, John Stones, Dan Burn, Jarrod Branthwaite
If Trent Alexander-Arnold continues to shine for new club Real Madrid, then it will be hard for Tuchel to ignore the former Liverpool ace.
Given the 26-year-old can play full-back and in midfield, his versatility will be a big asset and omitting him would be a big call from the manager.
One player who Tuchel likes is Chelsea’s Reece James, who has had his injury problems, and the right-back looks set for a place in the squad if he can stay fit.
Another versatile player in the mix is Newcastle’s Tino Livramento, who can play in both full-back positions and who has also been deployed higher up the flank.
Joining Livramento on the plane could be team-mate Lewis Hall, who is one of the best left-backs in England and who will be hoping for another impressive season with the Magpies.
For the centre-back options, Tuchel continues to be a fan of Newcastle’s Dan Burn, who provides a great aerial threat at 6ft 7in, while Palace captain Marc Guehi looks like a certainty given his consistent displays.
Man City’s John Stones provides plenty of experience and, if fully fit, he is England’s best defender. His leadership will be crucial for the Three Lions.
The final centre-back spot could go to one of Ezri Konsa, Jarell Quansah or Jarrad Branthwaite.
If fit, Everton’s Branthwaite should get the nod, but any doubts over his fitness and Konsa or Quansah will be fighting it out for the position.
Midfielders
Declan Rice, Jordan Henderson, Jude Bellingham, Adam Wharton, Harvey Elliott
A cornerstone of this England side, Arsenal’s Declan Rice is one of the first names on the team sheet and his place is assured.
The same can be said of Real’s Jude Bellingham, who is one of the most talented players in the squad, while Jordan Henderson could also be on the plane.
Now plying his trade for Brentford, the 35-year-old has been a shock inclusion since Tuchel’s appointment and it seems strange to have brought the midfielder back at his age and not make him part of your World Cup plans.
Palace star Adam Wharton is also expected to get one of the spots, given he stays injury-free, which has been a problem.
Harvey Elliott made a deadline-day loan switch to Aston Villa after being starved of minutes at Liverpool and, if he impresses for the Villans, he could force his way into the reckoning.
Forwards
Harry Kane, Ollie Watkins, Anthony Gordon, Noni Madueke, Eberechi Eze, Cole Palmer, Bukayo Saka
Three players nailed on to make the final cut are Bayern Munich striker and England captain Harry Kane, Chelsea’s Cole Palmer and Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka.
That trio are all expected to be regular starters for the Three Lions and injury is the only thing that will keep them from making the squad.
Eberechi Eze joined Arsenal from Palace in the summer and given he will now be able to strut his stuff on the European stage, he should be part of Tuchel’s plans.
Tuchel has also seemed to be a fan of Arsenal’s Noni Madueke since taking charge, with his pace and quality in the final third making him a real danger.
Anthony Gordon is another player that has been involved on the international stage under Tuchel and the Newcastle forward, who regularly chips in with goals and assists for his club, will be hoping to nab one of the 23 spots.
Finally, as a back-up to Kane, Villa hitman Ollie Watkins should be included, although he will need to pick up his form after a slow start to the campaign.
