As the countdown to the 2026 World Cup enters its final 10 months, speculation over England’s 26-man squad is starting to heat up ahead of the tournament in the USA, Canada, and Mexico next summer. Thomas Tuchel has now had almost a year at the helm, and the picture of life after Gareth Southgate is beginning to take a more defined shape.

The recent 5-0 demolitions of Serbia and Latvia have given England plenty to revel in, positioning the Three Lions as serious contenders to end a 60-year trophy drought when they head across the pond. Yet, a lacklustre 2-0 win over 174th-ranked Andorra, coupled by a 3-1 home defeat to Senegal, will no doubt have the pessimists sharpening their knives.

While it remains too early to predict the final squad with certainty, we’ve taken a deep dive into current form and Tuchel’s apparent preferences to produce a provisional lineup based on power rankings. Players such as Trent Alexander-Arnold and Phil Foden possess the talent to make the plane but are currently grounded by patchy club form.

England’s Predicted World Cup Squad

Despite being several months away from having to name his official 26-man squad for the tournament, Tuchel will no doubt have a framework in mind in terms of what and who he wants in the squad. As is usually the case, three goalkeepers will be on the plane, with Jordan Pickford, Dean Henderson and James Trafford the likely trio to take their shot-stopping gloves across the pond.

If Tuchel opts to go with a set of eight defenders on the basis of having a back-up available for each one of his back-four, then John Stones and Marc Guehi are likely to be locks, while Dan Burn and Ezri Konsa have figured prominently in the German’s squad selections thus far too. At full-back, Djed Spence’s versatility means he can cover both sides, while Myles Lewis-Skelly will need to play more for Arsenal to consolidate his place. Reece James and Trent Alexander-Arnold meanwhile will be battling for a spot on the plane too.

In midfield, Tuchel has shown that he is willing to give players a chance and not just pick on reputation, with his notable omission of Real Madrid superstar Jude Bellingham from the most recent squad creating headlines. If Bellingham can prove his fitness and form, he seems a certainty to make the squad, as do the likes of Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson. Eberechi Eze, Morgan Rogers, Cole Palmer, Jordan Henderson and Phil Foden all offer varying skills and needs, so Tuchel has a bit of dilemma on the make-up of his midfield selections.

Further forward, quite a few of England’s attackers have enjoyed a fruitful spell under Tuchel’s management, including the likes of Noni Madueke and Bukayo Saka. Anthony Gordon, Marcus Rashford, Jarrod Bowen, Jack Grealish and Ollie Watkins and a few others will be competing among themselves to provide further competition and depth to the squad. Harry Kane, of course, as captain, will be leading the line and the side at the tournament next summer.

England’s Predicted World Cup Squad: Pickford, Henderson,Trafford; James, Spence, Konsa, Stones, Guehi, Burn, Lewis-Skelly, Livramento; Anderson, Wharton, Henderson, Rice, Bellingham, Eze, Rogers, Palmer; Saka, Madueke, Rashford, Gordon, Kane, Watkins, Bowen.

England’s Predicted World Cup Starting Lineup

Tuchel faces the challenge of striking a balance between England’s big-name stars and the so-called “system players” – those willing to do the dirty work that keeps the team ticking. Certain names pick themselves: Pickford, Guehi, Stones, Rice, Bellingham, and Kane are automatic selections, while Saka has long been each of his manager’s favourite within the Three Lions’ crowded creative setup.

Having a talent like Cole Palmer on the bench is a luxury rather than a problem. Against deeper defensive blocks, Tuchel may even choose to start him in the number 10 role, with Bellingham dropping slightly deeper to take on Anderson’s responsibilities in midfield. For now, though, the 4-2-3-1 system appears to be Tuchel’s blueprint, and the current lineup offers England’s best chance of another deep run at a major tournament – only this time, the hope is to go one step further and finally add a second star.

England’s 2026 World Cup Predicted Starting XI: Pickford; James, Guehi, Stones, Lewis-Skelly; Anderson, Bellingham, Rice; Saka, Kane, Gordon.

England Players Ranked on World Cup Squad Chances

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While Tuchel may already have an idea of what his squad might look like next summer, there are still enough months in the calendar for some surprise names to make the fold, or for current stars to drop out through injury or form. Below is a look at a number of English players ranked by their chances of making Tuchel’s World Cup squad.

45. Liam Delap

A significant injury has robbed Liam Delap of a major chance to showcase that he can play for a top-level team after impressing while at Ipswich Town last season in the Premier League. If he can return to fitness and lead the line at Chelsea well, then who knows if Tuchel gives him a rare opportunity to showcase his skill right before the World Cup.

44. Lewis Hall

One of Eddie Howe’s favourites at Newcastle, Lewis Hall has all the capabilities of being an England regular in the future, but he is quite behind in the pecking order when it comes to left-backs right now.

43. Rico Lewis

After speculation linking him with a move away from the Etihad Stadium this past summer, Rico Lewis put pen to paper on a new contract to stay at Manchester City. As versatile as they come and someone regularly praised by Pep Guardiola for his footballing IQ, this upcoming World Cup might just come too soon for the talented starlet.

42. Conor Gallagher

Given his industry in midfield, Conor Gallagher might have been considered a favourite of Tuchel’s, but he has been overtaken in the pecking order by the likes of Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton in particular – not to mention some of the Three Lions’ other established England stars.

41. Kyle Walker

Once one of the first names on the team sheet and the man tasked with shutting down world-class wingers like Kylian Mbappe, Kyle Walker’s age seems to have caught up with him. The Burnley right-back is now surely out of the reckoning for an England recall.

40. Ivan Toney

Ivan Toney’s move to Saudi Arabia has taken him out of the limelight in terms of England recognition, and it now appears highly unlikely he will figure prominently in Tuchel’s thoughts going forward.

39. Curtis Jones

In terms of sheer talent, Curtis Jones would fancy his chances of making the England squad, but the Three Lions have such an abundance of talent when it comes to midfield playmakers. The Liverpool star is likely to be on the fringes of making Tuchel’s 26-man set-up.

38. Trevoh Chalobah

After seemingly being side-lined at Chelsea, Trevoh Chalobah has forced himself back into favour under Enzo Maresca at Chelsea, but a push for England’s World Cup squad appears to be one step too far for the centre-back.

37. Levi Colwill

An ACL injury has firmly dented the hopes of Levi Colwill making Tuchel’s England World Cup squad next summer. The young Chelsea defender appeared to be settling into life as an established starter in the Premier League under club manager Enzo Maresca, but the injury setback has surely put him out of contention even if he does make a return before the end of the season.

36. Dominic Solanke

As a potential alternative to Harry Kane, Dominic Solanke will be hoping he can recover from injury quickly and put together a good run of form at club level with Tottenham. Ollie Watkins seems to be his main striking competition for that no.2 spot, so this race might well heat up at the turn of the new year.

35. Nico O’Reilly

Named to the England squad in the October international break as an injury replacement for Reece James, Nico O’Reilly is unlikely to make the cut barring some unforeseen circumstances. A talented player whose World Cup hopes will surely increase by the time the next one comes around in 2030.

34. Jarell Quansah

A move to Bayer Leverkusen from Liverpool should offer more of a chance of first-team football, but he will have his work cut out trying to make Tuchel’s final squad.

33. Harry Maguire

A favourite of Gareth Southgate’s, it appears Harry Maguire has been slowly phased out of the England set-up by Tuchel. The German has favoured the likes of Ezri Konsa, John Stones and Marc Guehi in particular, and it’s now unlikely he will take up one of the defensive spots in the squad next summer.

32. Luke Shaw

Tuchel has been fairly complimentary of Luke Shaw, and the Manchester United man has the experience of playing at big tournaments with England previously that might count in his favour when it comes to potentially breaking into the England squad next summer.

31. Trent Alexander-Arnold

Despite a high-profile move to Real Madrid, it appears Tuchel doesn’t quite fancy Trent Alexander-Arnold. Even taking into perspective just how great he is going forward and how much he can contribute with the ball, the former Liverpool star’s questionable defensive instincts appear to be counting against him.

30. Ruben Loftus-Cheek

A career renaissance at Serie A giants Milan has somewhat reignited hopes of Ruben Loftus-Cheek enjoyed a successful international career, but as of right now, he seems to be on the outside looking in if everyone is fit and available.

29. Morgan Gibbs-White

After a stellar season with Nottingham Forest that saw the club finish in the European places, Morgan Gibbs-White has forced himself into the England reckoning. But, given the sheer number of players available in his position, the former Wolves star will find his work cut out to make the final squad.

28. Phil Foden

Despite his improved recent form with Manchester City, Phil Foden has barely featured under Tuchel, and the chances for him to prove the German wrong are running out. The November international break looks to be crucial for Foden’s chances of staking a claim for a place now.

27. Tino Livramento

Much like Djed Spence, Tino Livramento’s ability to cover both full-back positions makes him a valuable member of a squad that is restricted to just 26 players. While his recent injury might have kept him out of the October international break, Tuchel appears to be a fan.

26. Jack Grealish

Jack Grealish is back in the conversation for being in an England star after a superb start to life on Merseyside with Everton. His move from Manchester City appears to have breathed new life into him, and if he can rediscover the kind of form that convinced Pep Guardiola’s side to splash out big money to sign him from Aston Villa in the first place, then Tuchel will surely have a look at him sooner rather than later.

25. James Trafford

After looking like he would be Manchester City’s first-choice goalkeeper for the season, the shock arrival of Gianluigi Donnarumma has now dropped him down to the Etihad bench. Whether that affects Tuchel’s thinking for who should go as England’s third-string shot-stopper remains to be seen, but Trafford appears to be in pole position right now.

24. Cole Palmer

Cole Palmer’s position as one of the names in Tuchel’s World Cup squad is perhaps not as clear-cut as it once might have been. His stellar performances in leading Chelsea to the Club World Cup showcased his talents, but his recent groin injury and missing of the October international break has robbed Tuchel of seeing him gel at international level. The competition for places is high, but Palmer should be able to get in through sheer talent alone.

23. Jordan Henderson

One of the senior members of Tuchel’s squad, it appears Jordan Henderson will be on the plane for the World Cup next summer to provide some experience for what looks to be a quite young England team. Henderson’s return to the Premier League has unsurprisingly revitalised his international career, and while he might not be one of the first names on the teamsheet, he may just get into the squad itself.

22. Adam Wharton

Somewhat of a surprise name in England’s EURO 2024 squad, Adam Wharton has since made it clear how good he just is. The Crystal Palace star seems to be carved out of a Spanish lab such is his proficiency with the ball, and if he can stay clear of injury, he should represent a fine back-up for Elliot Anderson in that holding midfield role.

21. Dean Henderson

While Jordan Pickford may be everybody’s choice to be number one, Dean Henderson is likely to have secured his place as England’s second-choice shot-stopper for next summer. The Crystal Palace star will be in between the sticks for Oliver Glasner’s side for the whole season, which should aid his case of being on the plane for next summer with England.

20. Ollie Watkins

After a bit of a slow start to the Premier League, Ollie Watkins finally seems to have found his feet and rediscovered some of his goal-scoring touch. Watkins netted in the victory over Latvia, and right now, appears to be Tuchel’s preferred choice for being Harry Kane’s deputy.

19. Marcus Rashford

Marcus Rashford’s loan move to Barcelona might just be the single biggest turning point in his career. He has been exceptional for the Catalan giants, providing both goals and assists for his new club. If he can continue to impress with the increased game-time, Rashford will make his case for a spot at next summer’s World Cup even greater.

18. Eberechi Eze

If England are to do well at next summer’s tournament, you would think the Three Lions need someone like Eberechi Eze to help unlock doors and do something out of the ordinary. The Arsenal star has shown flashes of his capabilities at his new club following his summer move from Crystal Palace, and the hope will be that he can get on the goals trail very soon.

17. Jarrod Bowen

While he may be behind both Saka and Madueke in the pecking order, Jarrod Bowen represents a fine option for Tuchel in his England squad. The West Ham captain can also provide some depth up front, but if the Hammers star can enjoy another impressive Premier League campaign, the clamour for him to be on the plane should grow.

16. Djed Spence

One of the biggest beneficiaries of the most recent international break, Djed Spence did his case for a World Cup spot no harm with a couple of enterprising performances. Capable of playing at both left-back and right-back, Spence’s versatility may count in his favour when it comes to taking up one of the full-back slots.

15. Morgan Rogers

In Bellingham’s absence, Morgan Rogers has grasped his opportunity with both hands, scoring in the October international break in England’s thrashing of Latvia at Wembley Stadium. The Aston Villa man provides a fine alternative to Bellingham with his own blend of power, pace and dribbling from midfield.

14. Myles Lewis-Skelly

While his lack of consistent game-time at Arsenal has been a public worry for Tuchel, Myles Lewis-Skelly appears to be a favourite of the German. Capable of inverting into midfield from left-back, Lewis-Skelly’s ability to beat pressure with the ball at his feet makes him the modern full-back, and even despite his age, looks to be on the plane to the World Cup.

13. Noni Madueke

Before his injury, Noni Madueke was in electric form for both club and country, proving just why Arsenal spent big money to lure him away from Chelsea. At his best on the right, Madueke can also play on the left too, but you would imagine that he will likely provide back-up for Saka.

12. Dan Burn

One of the tallest players in the Premier League, Dan Burn’s ability to play at both centre-back and left-back offers some extra versatility for Tuchel. Given his size, he also becomes a valuable option on set-pieces, and his performances for Newcastle have been very good to say the least.

11. Elliot Anderson

What a rise it has been for Elliot Anderson since moving to Nottingham Forest. The former Newcastle star has enjoyed regular game-time at the City Ground, and now appears the absolute firm favourite to start in the no.6 role when the World Cup comes around.

10. Ezri Konsa

Having played more minutes than any other defender under Tuchel, Ezri Konsa has established himself as one of the German boss’ trusted men in the back-line. The Aston Villa star has improved considerably over the last 12 to 18 months, and it is a testament to his progress that he now seems certain to make the World Cup squad.

9. Jude Bellingham

While he may not have made the latest England squad, Jude Bellingham is a sure-fire name to be included in Tuchel’s final World Cup team selection. The Real Madrid star has of course battled fitness issues to start off the 2025/2026 campaign, but is a real game-changer and possesses the kind of engine and leadership skills that Tuchel prizes.

8. Anthony Gordon

Anthony Gordon looks to be the main man for Tuchel out on the left-wing thus far, with his combination of pace and directness giving the Three Lions something different. It will be interesting to see however, if Gordon can keep out the likes of Jack Grealish and Marcus Rashford for the starting spot on the left-hand side by the time the World Cup comes around.

7. Reece James

It’s no surprise that Tuchel absolutely loves Reece James, having already worked with him before while the pair were at Chelsea together. The right-back offers real threat going forward, is more than capable in possession, and is generally a strong one-v-one defender thanks to his pace and strength. He look to have established himself as the leading contender for the right-back slot.

6. John Stones

Having been named by Tuchel as one of his ‘captains’, John Stones will likely partner Marc Guehi at centre-back if he can manage to stay fit. Question marks over his injury record do persist, but if he can go through the Premier League campaign unscathed, expect him to be a key lieutenant of Tuchel on and off the pitch at the World Cup.

5. Marc Guehi

The Crystal Palace captain who saw a move to Liverpool collapse on deadline day has once again been one of the best defenders in the Premier League this season. He has shaken off any speculation over a transfer move by being a reliable performer for Palace under Oliver Glasner, and he should be a certified starter for Tuchel at centre-back.

4. Bukayo Saka

One of the most consistent players for England over a number of years now, Bukayo Saka, when fit, will surely be one of the first names on the team-sheet even despite the level of competition for places out wide. The Arsenal star provides real cutting edge from the right-hand side, and has been a provider of goals and assists on a regular basis for England.

3. Declan Rice

The midfield engine that will be pivotal to England’s chances of success next summer, Declan Rice has arguably taken another step up since joining Arsenal from West Ham. Capable of changing games on his own, Rice will likely play as a box-to-box midfielder much like he does at club level.

2. Jordan Pickford

The undisputed number one goalkeeper for England, Jordan Pickford has enjoyed a terrific run of games for the Three Lions, recently breaking Gordon Banks’ streak of the most consecutive clean sheets. Now one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League, gone are the days of question marks surrounding the Everton star’s reliability and consistency.

1. Harry Kane

Captain and runaway top goal-scorer for the country, Harry Kane is the man most assured of a place in Tuchel’s England squad. It’s not a stretch to say the Three Lions’ hopes of a famous World Cup triumph rests on the shoulders of the Bayern Munich marksman.