England ultimately fell short of the goal to bring football home during the 2026 World Cup, but Thomas Tuchel’s side proved there are many reasons to be positive for the future.

The German coach has been heavily criticised for his role in the Three Lions’ semi-final defeat against Argentina, in the country’s biggest game since 2018. But Tuchel reportedly retains the backing of the FA, having penned a new contract until Euro 2028.

But what will his starting XI look like at the United Kingdom-hosted tournament if England qualify? Well, ChatGPT has predicted exactly that. There are some huge shocks, as well as some regulars retaining their place in the XI.

Goalkeeper and Defenders

The predicted backline is almost completely different to Tuchel’s back five at this summer’s World Cup. Jordan Pickford is expected to finally give up the No.1 jersey for Manchester City shot-stopper James Trafford.

Elsewhere, Newcastle United full-backs Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall make the AI’s team. The young duo could have easily been part of the World Cup XI after impressing ever since moving to St. James’ Park.

Marc Guehi is the only man to keep his place in the back four, with the Man City centre-back partnering Chelsea’s Levi Colwill. Had injuries not plagued the latter, this could’ve already been cemented as Tuchel’s preferred partnership.

Midfielders

Paul Childs via Reuters

It will take something incredible to dislodge both Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham from the Three Lions line-up. ChatGPT expects both men to continue in their current roles after impressing on the international stage.

Bellingham was England’s top scorer at the 2026 World Cup and will be in his prime by the time Euro 2028 comes around. Meanwhile, Rice could well be the captain of his country by that time. Especially with a notable absentee in other areas.

Elliot Anderson claimed the third midfield spot over the summer, but the £117 million man isn’t included in the AI’s predicted team. Instead, Adam Wharton joins Rice at the heart of the midfield. He’ll only be 24 when the home European Championship kicks off, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him playing for a top Premier League club by then.

Forwards

REUTERS/Paul Childs

The attack is perhaps the most shocking part of ChatGPT’s prediction. Bukayo Saka, fresh off the back of a hat-trick at the World Cup, isn’t going anywhere and will be tasked with leading the team forward.

The 56-cap star is predicted to join a Chelsea duo in the frontline. Liam Delap and Jamie Gittens both endured nightmare debut seasons at Stamford Bridge and were nowhere near anyone’s thinking for the World Cup.

It’ll take an incredible improvement from both men to be starting for a top nation in two years. Delap is the most obvious candidate to replace Harry Kane, who doesn’t make this XI. However, living up to the expectations set by the country’s all-time top goalscorer is a task he’d currently fail.

Gittens, on the other hand, will have to overtake Marcus Rashford and Anthony Gordon to secure a place on the left-hand side of attack. He’ll also be competing with youngsters like Liverpool’s Rio Ngumoha by Euro 2028.

Argentina or Spain will add another World Cup title to their trophy cabinet on Sunday night as they meet in the final at MetLife Stadium. Two-time winner of the competition, Ronaldo Nazario, has predicted an ‘easy’ win for one side.

Spain overcame attack-heavy France in the semi-final with a professional and impressive 2-0 victory on Tuesday evening. Meanwhile, Argentina joined them in the final with a hard-fought comeback win against England.

The upcoming clash in New Jersey, New York City, will see the present meet the future. Either Lionel Messi will solidify his status as the greatest footballer ever with back-to-back World Cup wins, or Lamine Yamal will pull level with his icon at just 19 years old.

Ronaldo Nazario Firmly Backs One World Cup Finalist

Images via Reuters

Both sides bring something different to the table. Spain have been extremely controlled throughout the tournament, quietly winning games with minimal fuss. Argentina, on the other hand, have had to scrap their way through the entire knockout rounds.

The South Americans had scares against Cape Verde and Egypt before defeating Switzerland in extra-time and England in stoppage time. But the Messi-factor and sheer grit of the reigning champions won’t be enough, according to Ronaldo.

One of Brazil’s greatest-ever players, Ronaldo’s opinion is always one that people take notice of. He has given an in-depth explanation behind his prediction that Spain will add to their 2010 triumph.

Speaking on his official TikTok account alongside ex-teammate Denilson, R9 said (via Metro): “I think Spain wins and the game will be easy.”

The 1994 and 2002 winner claimed he was always sure the winner would emerge from Spain vs France in the semi-final. He added:

Ronaldo even paid the highest compliment imaginable to Spain’s style of play, saying: “I think there’s a lot of [Pep] Guardiola in there to have started this philosophy, it’s at Barcelona in 2006, 2007.”

Argentina Have ‘Character’ But Won’t Win World Cup

REUTERS/Amanda Perobelli

“So I think Spain wins easy. I don’t believe Argentina has the strength to become a game of a 1-0, 2-0 because Spain will have possession of the ball all of the time,” the ex-Barcelona and Real Madrid striker claimed.

But Ronaldo did give credit to the fighting spirit of the three-time winners. Argentina may require another special moment from Messi if they are to overcome a team that has conceded just one goal this summer.

Ultimately, however, he’s certain it will be Spain’s year, as he concluded: “But I think the way Spain play… it’s very automated, the way they play is very automated, it’s what you have to do every time in every phase, no hurry, they play the ball with speed, they run the game, they cool the game with possession.”

Aston Villa are said to get something back for their sale of Morgan Rogers, who now looks to be leaving the club. Villa were clear that they would only consider selling Rogers if an exceptionally large offer was received, and it was expected that offer would come from Arsenal, who have been courting the England winger this summer.

But Chelsea have now moved to complete a deal, agreeing a £117million fee with Villa, and while that’s a huge chunk of change for the Midlands club, the loss of Rogers will be a tough one to take. Rogers was a key part of Villa’s success last season, and heading into the Champions League without him is a tough prospect, but Villa will surely have prepared for this scenario by drafting possible replacements.

In the meantime, it seems Villa are considering signing a Chelsea striker.

Aston Villa showing interest in Chelsea frontman

According to GiveMeSport’s Ben Jacobs, Villa are exploring a possible deal for Chelsea frontman Nicolas Jackson as part of the Rogers discussions. Jacobs posted on X: “Aston Villa enquired on Nicolas Jackson during talks with Chelsea for Morgan Rogers. Jackson’s future is one to watch. Same for Liam Delap, who has interest from multiple Premier League clubs. Both players seeking clarification of their role under Xabi Alonso, but it is expected one of the pair departs.”

Jackson spent last season out on loan with Bayern Munich and did well as Harry Kane’s backup, but the German club decided not to sign him permanently. Xabi Alonso may want a look at Jackson this summer, given he has not worked with the striker previously, but the right fee might prompt Chelsea to sell in any case.

Villa boss Unai Emery knows Jackson well from his time at Villarreal, where he played a big role in helping the young striker make it as a first-team player, carefully managing his introduction. The Yellow Submarine went on to sell the Senegalese striker for £32million.

What Emery has said about Jackson

Speaking about Jackson back in 2024, Emery said of his former striker Jackson: “He was starting the pre-season with the U21s and when he was progressively coming to train with us, he was showing his potential. We worked during the one year on his skill, he improved his understanding better, how he could exploit his potential. And playing minutes and getting experiences was the next step.

“But his attitude as well was fantastic. He was always learning. He was always demanding to train more, to be focused. He was also being a professional every day out of training sessions at home because he was focused on football like the first priority in his life. And the consequences is coming. It’s coming because he signed for Chelsea. Last year he was adapting so quick, but he was progressively getting better – sometimes without the performance – and now he is showing.”

Since then, Jackson fell out of favour with Chelsea after a couple of ill-timed red cards, but he has won back credit for being a reliable backup for a dominant Bayern side.