England's path at the 2026 FIFA World Cup is now clear, but the final composition of the squad travelling to North America remains a topic of fierce debate. Manager Thomas Tuchel guided the Three Lions through a flawless qualification campaign, winning every match without conceding a single goal while netting 22 times.
The Final Auditions Before The Big Stage
With the tournament in the USA, Mexico, and Canada kicking off in June, time is running out for players to state their case. Only two friendlies are scheduled before the squad is finalised: against Uruguay and Japan in March. These matches represent the last chance for hopefuls to impress Tuchel before he selects his 26-man party for Group L, where England will face Croatia, Ghana, and Panama.
While some positions are seemingly locked down, others are wide open, leaving the German tactician with several crucial decisions to make in the coming months.
Analysing The Predicted Squad Selection
In goal, Jordan Pickford's status as number one appears secure under Tuchel. He is expected to be backed up by Crystal Palace's in-form Dean Henderson, with Newcastle's Nick Pope a strong contender for the third goalkeeper spot thanks to his regular club football.
The defensive picture has evolved. Chelsea's Reece James, if fit, is the leading right-back, with versatile Newcastle defender Tino Livramento providing cover. In central defence, the partnership of John Stones and Marc Guehi looks solid, with Aston Villa's Ezri Konsa also a firm favourite of Tuchel's. The versatile Dan Burn offers useful cover at both centre-back and left-back.
The left-back slot is genuinely up for grabs, but Manchester City's Nico O'Reilly is making a compelling case. Arsenal's talented Myles Lewis-Skelly is predicted to secure the backup role in that position.
Midfield Wealth and Attacking Options
In midfield, Declan Rice is a guaranteed starter. He is likely to be partnered by Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson, who has impressed Tuchel immensely. Experienced campaigner Jordan Henderson and Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton are also tipped to be included.
England's embarrassment of riches in the number ten role means several stars will be vying for places. Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, and Cole Palmer seem certain, with Morgan Rogers and Eberechi Eze also strong contenders for the final squad.
On the wings, Arsenal's Bukayo Saka is a sure starter on the right, potentially with Chelsea's Noni Madueke as his understudy. On the left, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Gordon are Tuchel's preferred options, though the Newcastle man may need to rediscover his best form to be certain.
Up front, captain Harry Kane remains the undisputed first choice following another spectacular season with Bayern Munich. Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins is firmly in control of the backup striker role, with a lack of other compelling options cementing his position.
Players On The Fringe And Late Bolters
Several notable players are currently predicted to miss out. West Ham's Jarrod Bowen is perhaps the unluckiest, though he could challenge Madueke for a spot depending on playing time in the second half of the season. Trent Alexander-Arnold, despite his move to Real Madrid, has had a slow start in Spain and needs to accelerate to force his way in.
Tuchel may also consider swapping one of his creative midfielders for an additional central player. The likes of Conor Gallagher, Curtis Jones, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, or Morgan Gibbs-White could benefit from such a rethink. Could there even be a romantic, late surge for veteran Danny Welbeck? It remains an outside possibility.
The countdown to squad selection is well and truly on, with every club performance between now and May carrying significant weight for England's World Cup hopefuls.
