Sports
Predicting England’s Starting 11 For 2026 World Cup Opener
Just one more friendly separates England from their first foray into a major international tournament since Gareth Southgate stepped down from his role to give Thomas Tuchel a chance. The German manager made it clear that his goal was to add a second World Cup star above the Three Lions’ badge, and now is the time to walk the walk.
England kick off their tournament on June 17, with a match against familiar opposition, Croatia, to raise the curtain on Group L. Following a 1-0 win over New Zealand in preparation for their opener, GIVEMESPORT now has a much better understanding of how Tuchel might line up against the same side that knocked his predecessor out in the semi-finals in 2018.
Goalkeeper
Jordan Pickford
Starting the XI from the back is Jordan Pickford, a man who has held down the number one jersey with relative ease since his debut clean sheet in the 0-0 draw with Germany back in November 2017. Since then, he has barely put a foot wrong for his country, arguably playing his best football whilst in England’s colours.
The boy from Sunderland was superb in his first major tournament, playing a key role in the Three Lions’ 2018 World Cup campaign, helping his side beat Colombia 4–3 on penalties to claim the nation’s first World Cup penalty shootout victory and a place in the quarter-final – a match in which he then kept his first clean sheet of the tournament and was named man of the match.
Right-Back
Reece James
Right-back is a position where the Three Lions had been spoilt for choice in Southgate’s reign, with a group of talented players all fighting for the same position. Kyle Walker has been the more consistent choice to fill the spot in recent years, with Newcastle’s Kieran Trippier often deputising, but both have since retired.
Tuchel, who worked with Reece James previously at Chelsea, has consistently picked him for the national team. He, like Pickford, is nailed on, especially since Trent wasn’t even picked for the 26-man squad.
Centre-Back
John Stones
Moving into the centre of defence we have John Stones, a Rolls-Royce of a defender who slots into this position with ease. Having already made 89 appearances in white, Stones will be one of the most experienced players in this XI, having already featured at both the 2018 and the 2022 World Cups. He was handed even more responsibility at Euro 2024 as his normal partner, Harry Maguire, missed out through injury.
Since his £47.5 million move from Everton in 2016, making him the world’s second most expensive defender in history, the Barnsley native has never looked back. Despite his injuries in recent years, he is a smooth operator in the heart of defence, and remains immovable when fit.
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Centre-Back
Marc Guehi
Despite making it to the final last summer, England’s performances along the way were not particularly strong. One player who could hold his head high, though, was Marc Guehi. The 25-year-old was thrust into the starting XI as soon as it was made clear Maguire wasn’t going to be fit to feature, but you would never have guessed it, seeing how composed the defender looked every time he was on the pitch.
Guehi didn’t put a foot wrong all summer and staked his claim for a mandatory place in the starting XI moving forward. Many people questioned the depth that the Three Lions had at centre-back, but with the Eagles star’s display, along with the presence of Ezri Konsa, it seems as though the void of Maguire and Stones may easily be filled in years to come.
Left-Back
Nico O’Reilly
England aren’t exactly blessed with options at left-back, and so it must have come as a huge relief when Manchester City’s Nico O’Reilly really stepped up to the plate in the second-half of last season. While Lewis Hall and Luke Shaw continue to struggle with fitness issues, the 21-year-old has been a breath of fresh air.
Always ready to play, whether on the front or back foot, O’Reilly’s coruscating moment of his career so far was scoring a brace in a 2-0 League Cup final win over Arsenal. If it’s energy that Tuchel wants on the flanks, then he needn’t look much further.
Centre-Midfield
Declan Rice
Moving into the base of midfield, Declan Rice has already reached well over a half century of caps for his country since making his debut in 2019 and is bound to make a lot more in the years to come. The Arsenal man went into Euro 2024 as one of the best midfielders on the planet, and now, still only 27 years old, is among the top three for his position.
Having already played at three major tournaments, the upcoming World Cup is his fourth already for the Three Lions. A solid ball carrier with sublime athleticism and strong defensive capabilities, it’s a no-brainer that Rice will make the starting lineup, even in spite of the fact he probably needs some extra rest following a deep run to the Champions League final with the Gunners just a month ago.
Centre-Midfield
Elliot Anderson
One of the more underrated midfielders in the Premier League, Elliot Anderson’s brilliant start to the season at Nottingham Forest was rewarded with a first England call-up and subsequent cap in the 2-0 World Cup qualifying win over Andorra. The 23-year-old made the most of his opportunity, too, with a player of the match display that had Tuchel saying that it was as if he had already played 50 times for his country.
Another several really solid displays have since followed, and Anderson has certainly made a good case for starting ahead of the more reputable names across the pond. In a team brimming with big talent, it’s the system players that ensure any golden generation doesn’t get too carried away, and his team-first mentality could work wonders in the Three Lions’ pursuit of silverware.
Attacking-Midfield
Moragn Rogers
The biggest – and perhaps most controversial – decision Tuchel is expected to make ahead of the Croatia match is that of the attacking midfield position. He’s already drawn criticism for leaving Phil Foden and Cole Palmer at home, and now, all the clues of his preferred starting lineup lead towards everyone believing Jude Bellingham will be left on the bench.
Of course, that’s not to say the Real Madrid man will still make a huge difference late on. But given the form of Morgan Rogers, who is fresh off winning the Europa League with Aston Villa, he has more than earnt the opportunity to prove his worth for the Three Lions. His movement behind the front three could be a secret weapon for his nation.
Right-Winger
Bukayo Saka
Moving into the final third of the field and onto the attackers, the right side of the forward line is another position that at the moment looks pretty nailed down by one man. At the age of just 24, Bukayo Saka is already one of the first names on the team sheet for his club, Arsenal, and also for his country too, having earned 48 caps for his country since his debut in October 2020.
Saka’s pace and directness strike fear into any defender he faces down the right-hand side, with his ability to cut inside, go down the outside, shoot, cross, or pass, making him a jack of all trades and one of the best wingers around. Whilst the penalty miss at Euro 2020 will never leave him, the starboy has done magnificently to put it behind him.
Left-Winger
Anthony Gordon
Tuchel has spoken about wanting pace either side of his number nine. The new manager’s demands offered the chance for Marcus Rashford to make his international return for the first time in 12 months, and he has since cemented his spot in the squad – but has failed to make as much of an impact as Anthony Gordon.
With Kane dropping deep constantly last summer, fans were left baffled as to why Southgate never gave Gordon a chance on the left flank so that he could use his blistering pace to run in behind the striker. There have already been signs that Tuchel wants players who will try and get in behind the opposition defenders, and it’s a system the Scouser could thrive in.
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Striker
Harry Kane
If we’re being completely honest, Harry Kane did not look like himself at Euro 2024. The legendary number nine was clearly unfit and not firing on all cylinders. Combine that with his need to get on the ball despite not having any willing runners exploiting the space he left, it wasn’t the right formula for Southgate.
It led some to believe that the England skipper could be out of favour by 2026. However, he has been in the form of his life since then, and a goal against New Zealand this weekend was his 67th of the season for club and country. There is nobody on the planet putting up the numbers he is right now, making him the best striker in the world. See the full predicted lineup below:
All statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt and UEFA – accurate as of 06/06/2026.
Football has inspired countless unforgettable stories on the pitch, but some of the game’s greatest moments are better described off it. From behind-the-scenes access at the world’s biggest clubs to emotional accounts of legendary players and historic triumphs, football documentaries offer fans a unique perspective that goes far beyond the final whistle.
Whether you’re reliving iconic seasons, discovering untold stories or gaining an insight into the personalities who shaped the sport, there’s no shortage of compelling films and series to choose from. With so many options to choose from, separating the must-watch from the mildly intriguing can be difficult.
To help narrow it down, we’ve ranked the 10 best football documentaries using IMDb’s popularity ratings, highlighting the highest-rated productions that every football fan should add to their watchlist.
10
The Final: Attack on Wembley (2024)
With England reaching their first major final since 1966, thousands of fans stormed the Wembley turnstiles in the hopes of finding a spot to watch their nation face Italy in the UEFA Euro 2020 final. Aggressive behavior from disgruntled fans saw many troublemakers arrested, with thousands of pounds worth of criminal damage, and injuries to police officers, stewards and legitimate ticket holders.
The documentary follows the accounts of those who caused the chaos, the stewards and officials tasked with dealing with the situation, and the innocent, legitimate fans who got caught in the middle.
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Where to Watch: |
Netflix |
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Trailer: |
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Director: |
Robert Miller, Kwabena Oppong |
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Release Date: |
2024 |
9
Messi (2014)
This 2014 biographical documentary details the life of one of the greatest football players to have ever graced the pitch: Lionel Messi. From his developmental days in his hometown of Rosario, to the bright lights and glamour that comes with playing for FC Barcelona, the film documents the Argentinian’s rise to the very top of footballing history.
Testimonies from football icons, teammates and childhood friends, including Johan Cruyff, Gerard Piqué and Andrés Iniesta, delve deep into Messi’s story, and what it is that makes him so exceptional.
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Where to Watch: |
Apple TV |
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Trailer: |
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Director: |
Alex de la Iglesias |
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Release Date: |
2014 |
8
Captains of the World (2023)
A docuseries which follows the events of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, ‘Captains of the World’ details the highs and lows of a World Cup campaign. The series provides never-before-seen footage from inside the changing rooms, training pitches and team hotels for all 32 competing nations.
First-hand interviews with global superstars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappé and Harry Kane, the show provides an insider look as to what it is like to perform at the sports biggest tournament.
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Where to Watch: |
Netflix |
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Trailer: |
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Director: |
Christian Cerami, David Hayes |
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Release Date: |
2023 |
7
Zidane: A 21st Century Portrait (2006)
This 91-minute film details Zinedine Zidane‘s every move during Real Madrid’s La Liga match against Villarreal on 23rd April 2025. With 17 synchronized cameras dotted around the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, the film tracks his every move, expression and breath, both on and off the ball.
True to Zidane’s ill-tempered career, the film ends abruptly after the Frenchman was shown a red card for his involvement in a brawl with Villarreal’s Enrique Sanjuan.
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Where to Watch: |
Sky Store |
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Trailer: |
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Director: |
Douglas Gordon, Philippe Parreno |
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Release Date: |
2006 |
6
Untold UK: Vinnie Jones (2026)
One of football’s original hardmen, ‘Untold UK: Vinnie Jones’ features his rise from working-class construction worker to a professional midfielder for Wimbledon FC. The film details how his violent nature and extreme volatility on the pitch almost got him permanently banned from English football.
The film also highlights his contributions to the notorious ‘Crazy Gang’ that shocked the world by beating Liverpool in the final of the 1988 FA Cup, whilst touching on his aggressive playing style and record-setting number of red cards.
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Where to Watch: |
Netflix |
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Trailer: |
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Director: |
David Tryhorn, Ben Nicholas |
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Release Date: |
2026 |
5
Messi’s World Cup: The Rise of a Legend (2024)
This four-part docuseries follows Messi’s rise through international football, whilst also documenting the performances of the Argentina national team at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Once again, the show offers exclusive behind-the-scenes footage of the national side’s training camps and changing rooms.
Narrated by the man himself, Messi reflects on career struggles, his brief international retirement and the monumental success that was his nation’s triumph in 2022, with interviews from teammates such as Rodrigo De Paul and Emi Martinez.
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Where to Watch: |
Apple TV |
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Trailer: |
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Director: |
Juan Baldana |
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Release Date: |
2024 |
4
Pele (2021)
Known as one of the greatest players of all time, this biographical film focuses heavily on a specific, intense 12-year period from 1958-1970. It charts his rise from a 17-year-old prodigy to the absolute pinnacle of his global fame after claiming his historic third World Cup win.
The documentary also features a deeply emotional, rare sit-down interview with Pele later in his life, offering a final reflection on his glittering career before his passing in December 2022.
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Where to Watch: |
Netflix |
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Trailer: |
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Director: |
Ben Nichols, David Tryhorn |
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Release Date: |
2021 |
3
Norway: The Dark Horse (2026)
‘Norway: The Dark Horse’ is a two-part docuseries which follows the Norwegian national team as they look to qualify for their first major tournament in 26 years. The first episode captures the growing pressure on the head coach, Ståle Solbakken, with Norway’s last appearance at a major tournament coming at Euro 2000.
The documentary also notes the golden generation, with world-class talent such as Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard, accompanied by the likes of Alexander Sørloth and Oscar Bobb.
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Where to Watch: |
Netflix |
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Trailer: |
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Director: |
Emil Trier |
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Release Date: |
2026 |
2
Beckham (2023)
This four-part biographical series looks not just at David Beckham‘s footballing career, but also his global cultural impact. From his working-class roots in East London and early romance with Victoria Adams to the infamous 1999 Manchester United treble and his later moves overseas, this series captures his entire life.
It features raw, honest interviews with both himself and his wife Victoria, and includes star-studded interviews with Sir Alex Ferguson, Gary Neville and Ronaldo Nazário, among others.
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Where to Watch: |
Netflix |
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Trailer: |
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Director: |
Fisher Stevens |
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Release Date: |
2023 |
1
Welcome to Wrexham (2022)
Perhaps the most well-known football documentaries thanks to their Hollywood owners, ‘Welcome to Wrexham’ is a multi-season series. After Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney acquired the world’s third oldest professional football club in Wrexham, with the dream of overseeing their journey up the English leagues.
After getting promoted out of the National League for the first time in 14 years during the 2021-22 campaign, the series provides exclusive footage from inside the club as they experienced a further two promotions in the following three seasons.
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Where to Watch: |
Disney+, Hulu |
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Trailer: |
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Director: |
Various |
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Release Date: |
2022 |
Manchester United icon Rio Ferdinand has reacted after shock news emerged on Monday afternoon that Chelsea were exploring a move for Brighton & Hove Albion star, Danny Welbeck.
Ever since BlueCo took charge of Chelsea in 2022, the Blues have adopted a strict policy of signing young players in the hope that they can increase their value and sell them off for a profit. Very few players have been signed over the age of 25.
While the policy has worked from a financial point of view, it has not helped them on the pitch. Partly due to a lack of experience, Chelsea finished 10th in the 2025/26 season, missing out on European football altogether. Many fans of the club have grown frustrated with their transfer activity and believe it is holding the club back.
Following their struggles last season and following the appointment of Xabi Alonso, it appears they have changed their transfer policy. The Athletic’s David Ornstein has reported that Chelsea are interested in signing Welbeck this summer.
It is said that Welbeck appeals to Alonso as a player and a leader, and that there is optimism from both sides that a deal can be struck.
Welbeck, now 35 years old, has been in fine scoring form in recent years. He recorded his best season in front of goal in 2025/26 as he scored 13 times in 37 Premier League matches.
Rio Ferdinand Reacts to Chelsea’s Interest in Danny Welbeck
Man United have shown interest in Welbeck in the past few years. In the 2024 summer transfer window, Erik ten Hag reportedly explored a move to bring him back to Old Trafford.
Ferdinand is desperate for United to rekindle their interest and launch a move for their academy graduate. Taking to social media, the Man Utd legend wrote:
“Welbs…. Ignore + come back home! Champions League football next season in Manchester”.
Welbeck, who has been capped 42 times by England, joined Man Utd at the age of 8. He progressed through their academy and made his debut for the first team in 2008. He played 142 times for the club, scoring 29 times and helping the club to six trophies, before departing for Arsenal in 2014.
United are currently fairly light in the striker position. Benjamin Sesko, who signed for the club in a £73.7m move last summer, is currently their first-choice. Joshua Zirkzee serves as his backup, while Bryan Mbuemo and Matheus Cunha can also play centrally if needed.
⚽
England World Cup Quiz
You scored
out of 20
Welbeck Isn’t Only Veteran Chelsea Are Interested In
Welbeck isn’t the only player over the age of 30 that Chelsea are interested in signing. They explored a move for Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka earlier in the summer, but the Black Cats refused to let their star man leave.
After missing out on Xhaka, Chelsea appear to have turned their attention to signing Jordan Henderson, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Romano wrote on X on Monday evening: “Chelsea lead race to sign Jordan Henderson as new midfielder, another surprise for #CFC.
“Henderson can leave Brentford on a free transfer and Chelsea are ahead in race with two more clubs for England international. Former Liverpool midfielder, open to the move.”
They were also interested in signing John Stones on a free transfer following his departure from Manchester City, but it appears he is on the verge of joining Inter Milan.
Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe have been beaten to another 2026 World Cup award, FIFA have confirmed.
Messi and Mbappe were the frontrunners to win the coveted World Cup Golden Ball award but eventually lost out to Rodri after Spain beat Argentina in the final on July 19.
Now the Argentina and France superstars have lost out in the battle for the FIFA World Cup 2026 Goal of the Tournament award.
Messi scored several stunning goals during the tournament. The 39-year-old’s exquisite touch and first-time finish against Cape Verde was magnificent, as was his instinctive strike against Egypt that cannoned in off the underside of the crossbar.
Mbappe, who claimed the World Cup Golden Boot award after scoring 10 goals during the tournament, also wowed the crowds in North America with several moments of individual brilliance. Both players are among the contenders for the 2026 Ballon d’Or award.
FIFA Reveal 2026 World Cup Goal of the Tournament
However, the Goal of the Tournament award has been handed to Sidny Lopes Cabral, whose sensational strike in Cape Verde’s 3-2 defeat to Argentina claims the prize.
FIFA confirmed via their website: “Sidny Lopes Cabral’s stunner for Cabo Verde against Argentina in the Round of 32 has been voted the Hyundai Goal of the Tournament for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
“It has now been crowned the Hyundai Goal of the Tournament, beating glorious golazos from Uzbekistan’s Eldor Shomurodov and Wilson Isidor of Haiti into second and third. Lopes Cabral succeeded Maxi Rodriguez, Diego Forlan, James Rodriguez, Benjamin Pavard and Richarlison in seizing the award.”
Cabral said: “The moment I dribbled past my opponent, I saw an opening and thought, ‘Let’s have a go’. I shoot well with both feet. I saw the space and was eyeing the top corner. I aimed there and struck the ball really well.
“When I looked up and saw it heading for that top corner, I thought, ‘What the hell did I just do?’ I couldn’t believe it. I looked at my team-mates – everyone was screaming, hands on their heads, overjoyed.
“I started running without thinking. Then it hit me that I’d scored a spectacular goal in the World Cup. Everybody dreams of just scoring in the World Cup, but to score in this way, at such a big stage against such a big team, was amazing. I was really happy.”
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World Cup History Quiz
You scored
out of 20
The 23-year-old full-back, who has completed a move from Benfica to Trabzonspor, added: “Before the game, I’d told my mom and my girlfriend that if I scored, I’d run over to them. When I got there, I saw my mom crying; she hadn’t even realised I was right there. Everyone was busy tending to her because she had fainted when I scored!
“After the game, I got a message from [Real Madrid and Brazil legend] Marcelo. He’s one of my biggest idols. I always admired him. He’s a left-back, plays with both feet, and had great technique.
“He told me he voted for my goal as the best of the tournament! I replied, ‘Thank you so much! I don’t know how to thank you. I’m so excited and honoured that you saw me play.’ And he said, ‘It was a pleasure watching you play; you’re really good.’ I was just like, ‘My word!’ I couldn’t believe it when I got his message.”
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