The 2026 World Cup has arrived, and the England squad is taking to the pitch with a glamorous array of wives and girlfriends cheering them on. Managed by Thomas Tuchel, the Three Lions will be supported by their partners, including models and influencers, as they face Croatia in their opening match. Many are childhood sweethearts who have been with the players since their school days, witnessing their rise to stardom.
The Evolution of WAG Culture
WAGs have always captured attention at the World Cup, and it's been 20 years since the infamous Baden-Baden resort was overrun by the likes of Victoria Beckham, Cheryl, and Coleen Rooney. While WAG culture has evolved, memories of Fabio Capello's ban on partners visiting during training due to their raucous behavior remain. Abbey Clancy, Alex Curran, Elen Rivas, and Louise Owen brought chaos to the German spa town, with Rio Ferdinand later comparing it to a circus.
Posh Spice reportedly packed 30 pairs of jeans and 60 pairs of sunglasses, while Rivas got stuck at Stansted with five suitcases. The WAGs embarked on expensive shopping sprees, spending £57,000 in an hour at designer stores, and ran up bills of £1,000 per night at hotels. Curran was billed for 60 bottles of £75 pink champagne, and Rivas spent an extra £2,607. Their hedonistic antics earned them the label 'hooligans with visas' from Spanish newspaper ABC, as they partied until 3am at karaoke bars.
This pop culture moment remains vivid, with the WAGs blamed for England's quarterfinal exit. Today's WAGs are more demure, but the legacy of those iconic women lives on.
Meet the 2026 WAGs
Harry Kane and Katie Goodland
Captain Harry Kane, 32, married his childhood sweetheart Katie Goodland in 2019. They met at school, and she is a sports science graduate and fitness instructor. They have four children: Ivy, Vivienne, Louis, and Henry.
Bukayo Saka and Tolami Benson
Bukayo Saka, 24, proposed to Tolami Benson in November 2025. Benson studied public relations at Birmingham University and works as a senior planning executive in London.
Declan Rice and Lauren Fryer
Declan Rice, 27, has been with Lauren Fryer since high school. They have a son, Jude. Fryer faced online trolling but Rice defended her, calling her the love of his life.
Jude Bellingham and Ashlyn Castro
Jude Bellingham, 22, is dating model Ashlyn Castro, 28, from Los Angeles. She has 648k Instagram followers and has been linked to celebrities like Michael B Jordan.
Jordan Pickford and Megan Davison
Jordan Pickford, 32, married Megan Davison in 2020. They have three children: Arlo, Ostara, and Misty. Davison is an influencer who shares glimpses of their family life.
Marcus Rashford and Lucia Loi
Marcus Rashford, 28, rekindled his romance with Lucia Loi in 2025 after a split. They were engaged in 2022 and are now together in Spain while Rashford plays for Barcelona.
Dean Henderson and Millie
Dean Henderson, 29, married Millie in 2022. They have a son and a daughter. Millie supported him through personal tragedies, including the loss of his father.
Jordan Henderson and Rebecca Burnett
Jordan Henderson, 35, has been married to Rebecca Burnett since 2017. They have three children. Burnett keeps a low profile.
John Stones and Olivia Naylor
John Stones, 31, married Olivia Naylor in 2025. They have a son. Naylor is a former beautician from Manchester.
Eberechi Eze and Izuthe Mulatto
Eberechi Eze, 27, is married to Izuthe Mulatto, a nurse. They met at 15 and had a traditional Nigerian wedding featured in British Vogue.
Ollie Watkins and Ellie Alderson
Ollie Watkins, 30, married Ellie Alderson in 2025. They have two children. Alderson has a diploma in interior design.
Anthony Gordon and Annie Keating
Anthony Gordon, 25, is engaged to Annie Keating, a makeup artist from Liverpool. They have a baby boy.
Reece James and Mia McClenaghan
Reece James, 26, is dating Mia McClenaghan, a law graduate and model. They keep their relationship private.
