With England's 2026 World Cup campaign beginning against Croatia in Dallas on June 17, Thomas Tuchel has had ample time to consider his starting line-up. Machine Football's analysts have now proposed their ideal XI, highlighting several key selections across the pitch.
In goal, Jordan Pickford remains a certainty, having established himself as England's number one since the 2018 World Cup. The Everton stopper's command of the box and composure in distribution are seen as crucial against Croatia's wide attackers.
At right-back, Reece James is tipped to start if fully fit, after enjoying his most consistent league season in years. In central defence, Ezri Konsa has been Tuchel's most consistent pick, ranking in the top 3% of Premier League centre-backs for passing accuracy. Alongside him, Marc Guéhi offers a rare blend of defensive solidity and creativity, placing in the top 5% globally for the latter.
Left-back Bradley O'Reilly has emerged as a key player for Manchester City and is the obvious solution to a long-standing problem position, with dribbling ability in the 94th percentile among full-backs worldwide. In midfield, Declan Rice is described as the driving force, ranking in the top 5% for creativity, tackling and contribution value. Elliott Anderson, having flourished at Nottingham Forest, provides progressive passing as one of only two English 'Playmaking 6s' in the analysts' database.
Bukayo Saka, who scored three goals at the 2022 World Cup, retains his place on the wing, ranking in the top 1% globally for dribbling. Jude Bellingham, despite being noted as potentially fortunate on form, is still considered a player capable of decisive moments, having scored two in his last three for Real Madrid. The full XI selections aim to balance defence and attack as England seek World Cup glory.
