England qualified for the 2026 World Cup in impressive style and we have picked our predicted 26-man squad to represent the Three Lions at next summer's tournament.
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.
Tuchel’s men are among the favourites in the World Cup betting, priced up at 11/2 to rule the world in 2026, but who will be on the plane to North America?
Here, we examine the contenders and predict Tuchel’s 26-man squad.
Goalkeepers
Jordan Pickford, Dean Henderson, James Trafford
With 80 caps to his name and a wealth of tournament experience, Everton’s Jordan Pickford is England’s number one and, barring injury, he will be starting in goal at the World Cup.
Dean Henderson’s stock has risen steadily and, having played a crucial role in Crystal Palace’s recent success, he should be the back-up option.
The third spot looks to be between Newcastle’s Nick Pope and Manchester City youngster James Trafford, who is highly rated in the England set-up.
Trafford was tipped to challenge Pickford for a starting role after signing for the Citizens in the summer, but the arrival of Italy star Gianluigi Donnarumma has restricted his playing time.
Pope is starting regularly although he was forced to withdraw from England’s November internationals after suffering an injury during a shaky display in Newcastle’s 3-1 defeat at Brentford.
Aaron Ramsdale, unable to dislodge Pope as the Magpies’ number one, has slipped down the England pecking order.
Defenders
Marc Guehi, John Stones, Dan Burn, Ezri Konsa, Reece James, Djed Spence, Tino Livramento, Lewis Hall
Time is running out for Trent Alexander-Arnold to convince England boss Tuchel that he is worth taking to the World Cup.
There is no doubt over Alexander-Arnold’s talent and versatility, having played at right-back and in midfield, but the former Liverpool man has been hampered by injuries at Real Madrid and was overlooked for England’s final two qualifiers.
Tuchel’s preferred right-back may be Chelsea’s Reece James and the Blues skipper looks set for a place in the squad, as long as he can stay fit.
Tottenham’s Djed Spence is timing his run for World Cup selection nicely and, like Newcastle’s Tino Livramento, is comfortable playing in both full-back positions.
Joining Livramento on the plane could be team-mate Lewis Hall, who is a natural left-footer and is poised to return to action after an injury-ravaged 2025. Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly probably needs to play more regularly in the Premier League.
For the centre-back options, Tuchel is a fan of Newcastle’s Dan Burn, who can also do a job at left-back and who provides an aerial threat at set-pieces.
Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi looks a certainty given his consistent displays, while Manchester City’s John Stones provides experience and leadership and, when fully fit, is one of England’s best defenders.
Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa is expected to get the nod over fellow centre-backs Jarell Quansah and Jarrad Branthwaite, who has missed the start of Everton’s campaign due to injury.
Midfielders
Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, Jordan Henderson, Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton
Declan Rice is powering Arsenal’s Premier League title challenge and must be one of the first names on Tuchel’s England teamsheet.
Real’s Jude Bellingham had a slow start to the club season after shoulder surgery and was left out of England’s squad for October’s internationals.
However, he is one of the most talented players in the set-up and will surely make the finals squad, while Jordan Henderson could also be on the plane after his surprise recall in March.
Henderson’s impressive start to the campaign with Brentford has boosted his chances and it would be odd for Tuchel to bring back the veteran midfielder only to leave him out of the squad for the finals.
Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson has flourished under Tuchel, starring in England’s 5-0 qualifying wins in Serbia and Latvia.
Keeping the ball will be crucial at the World Cup given the heat in North America, so Palace’s pass master Adam Wharton has a strong chance of going despite his early-season injury issues.
Harvey Elliott, who excelled at last summer’s European Under-21 Championship, has had a quiet start to life on loan at Aston Villa, while fellow midfielders Kobbie Mainoo, Conor Gallagher, Angel Gomes and Curtis Jones remain lower down on Tuchel’s wishlist.
Forwards
Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, Cole Palmer, Eberechi Eze, Morgan Rogers, Anthony Gordon, Noni Madueke, Marcus Rashford, Ollie Watkins, Phil Foden
Prolific Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane and Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka are two attacking bankers for England, but there is fierce competition for places elsewhere.
Cole Palmer should join Kane and Saka in the squad, although injuries have restricted the Chelsea star to only 64 minutes during England’s qualifying campaign.
Eberechi Eze is doing well at Arsenal and his direct dribbling and eye for goal makes him a Tuchel favourite, while the England boss also seems to be a fan of Gunners winger Noni Madueke.
Morgan Rogers and Anthony Gordon have also impressed in qualifying, while Marcus Rashford scored twice for Barcelona in their Champions League win at Newcastle.
If Rashford can deliver on a consistent basis for Barca then he should be included and Manchester City’s Phil Foden, who had a tough 2024-25 season, was recalled for November’s internationals.
Ollie Watkins was Kane’s understudy at Euro 2024, but the Villa striker has not been at his best this term and West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen, who can play on the wing or as a centre-forward, is another lively contender.
