England squad World Cup 2026: Which players have made it to the showpiece in USA, Mexico and Canada?

Between the sticks, England are blessed with some of the finest goalkeepers in the Premier League. Jordan Pickford of Everton was the go-to option during Gareth Southgate's tenure with the Three Lions, and things are unlikely to change under Thomas Tuchel.

Dean Henderson has put up a strong case to be considered for the No.1 spot with his performances at Crystal Palace this season, with Tuchel handing him a fair few starts across the autumn internationals in 2025. However, Pickford is still given the nod more often than not, suggesting the former Chelsea boss is set to stick with the 32-year-old.

James Trafford, following his move to Manchester City last summer, will provide added support and competition as third-choice in the pecking order.

In defence, Tuchel has made some big decisions, as the England squad is overflowing with quality options. To give an idea of the depth, just at right-back, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Rico Lewis have missed out as Tino Livramento and Reece James get the nod. The situation is similar on the left, though not as crowded, and England possess notable depth when it comes to the battles for starting berths.

At the heart of the back four, Tuchel will once again face a selection dilemma in deciding his ideal centre-half duo. John Stones, Marc Guehi, Dan Burn and Ezri Konsa are all in contention. It will be interesting to see which backline the German manager favours when competitive action gets underway.

Moving on to the midfield, England once again have a wealth of top-class options to choose from. Declan Rice has been instrumental for both club and country, anchoring the defensive midfield role with authority. Meanwhile, the likes of Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers are attacking gems who could easily emerge as England's standout performers at the tournament, especially under a tactician like Tuchel.

Elliot Anderson of Nottingham Forest, who continues to generate plenty of transfer speculation, will be another with a prominent role to play in the middle of the park.

Jordan Henderson adds vast experience to the Three Lions' ranks, while Kobbie Mainoo - having returned to favour at Manchester United - brings youthful exuberance. 

Similar to their strength in midfield and defence, England are well covered in attack. The Three Lions' all-time top scorer and current captain, Harry Kane, is once again expected to lead the line.

Meanwhile, Arsenal's Bukayo Saka is another lethal option who could prove decisive on the wings. Ollie Watkins has long been viewed as the natural backup to Kane, but Ivan Toney has re-entered the fray.

Anthony Gordon is another exciting talent who could thrive under Tuchel’s guidance. Marcus Rashford, who has impressed on loan at Barcelona, could also play an important role - as he can operate out wide or down the middle.

As we can see from their squad strength already, the Three Lions have no shortage of star players in any area of the pitch. Nevertheless, there are some who are simply exceptional and the best in their positions.

Jude Bellingham has been at the top of his game - for both club and country - across several years and will once again be crucial in deciding England's fate at the showpiece event this summer. In the front line, Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka will be instrumental. Kane has smashed every record in the Bundesliga playing for Bayern Munich, while Saka has continued his dominance in the Premier League and become a title winner with Arsenal.

Declan Rice in the defensive midfield role will be a key player when it comes to holding the Three Lions together, while Marc Guehi is expected to be the defensive stalwart and leader of Tuchel's backline.

When it comes to formation, Tuchel is known for his flexibility. The German manager can adapt his setup according to the demands of the situation, and given the depth of talent at his disposal with England, he is expected to do the same.

In goal, Pickford is expected to retain his position as first-choice between the sticks. However, Henderson and Trafford could also make a strong case for competitive minutes.

Moving on to the defence, Tuchel is likely to opt for O'Reilly at left-back while trusting Guehi and Konsa to dominate the heart of his back four.

DRice is a guaranteed starter, with Tuchel so far favouring Anderson as his partner. Ahead of them, the attacking trio of Rashford, Bellingham and Saka brings creativity, flair and goal threat.

Up front, Kane will once again lead the line for the Three Lions as their primary goal scorer.

Predicted England starting XI (4-2-3-1): Pickford; James, Guehi, Konsa, O'Reilly; Rice, Anderson; Saka, Bellingham, Rashford; Kane