Thomas Tuchel faces pivotal decisions as he prepares to unveil England's 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup on Friday. The German manager could have had an even deeper pool of talent, with three world-class stars having chosen to represent other nations instead of the Three Lions.
Goalkeeper: Jordan Pickford Remains Unquestioned
The goalkeeping position is the most settled in the squad. Jordan Pickford continues to deliver consistently for England, earning 82 caps and starting at four major tournaments. James Trafford made his debut under Tuchel in a 1-1 draw with Uruguay earlier this year, but neither he nor Dean Henderson is likely to displace the Everton shot-stopper.
Defence: New Faces Emerge
Tuchel has fresh defensive options this summer. Harry Maguire has regained form at Manchester United, and John Stones recently returned from injury. However, Ezri Konsa has staked a strong claim after an outstanding campaign with Aston Villa, featuring 47 times, scoring two goals, and reaching the Europa League final. He played 83 minutes in a friendly defeat to Japan and could partner Marc Guehi. Reece James is expected to return after missing recent fixtures with a hamstring problem; the Chelsea captain is versatile but most effective at right-back. Nico O'Reilly's breakthrough season at Manchester City, with 52 appearances, nine goals, six assists, and both the Carabao and FA Cups, puts him in contention for a starting role.
Midfield: The Ones That Got Away
The engine room could have looked dramatically different. Scott McTominay, born in Lancaster, was eligible for both England and Scotland. He chose Scotland through his father and grandparents in 2018. Now a key figure for Steve Clarke, McTominay has 14 goals and four assists in 69 caps. Since leaving Manchester United for Napoli in 2024, he has been a standout performer. He could have formed a formidable partnership with Arsenal's Declan Rice, who has excelled this season with five goals and 11 assists, guiding the Gunners to their first Champions League final since 2006.
On the left flank, Anthony Gordon and Marcus Rashford are the leading candidates, but Jamal Musiala would have been assured of that spot had he chosen England. The 23-year-old represented both England and Germany at youth level and was also eligible for Nigeria through his father. He chose Germany in 2021 while shining for Bayern Munich at age 18, describing his loyalty as "50-50" between the nations.
Attack: A Formidable Partnership That Never Was
Harry Kane is the undisputed leader of the attack, having become England's all-time leading scorer in 2023 with 78 goals in 112 appearances. He has led the nation through four major tournaments. Erling Haaland could have been his perfect strike partner. Born in England while his father played for Leeds United, Haaland chose Norway, where he grew up. With 55 goals in 49 caps for Norway, the 25-year-old Manchester City striker would have formed a devastating duo with Kane, striking fear into any defence.
England's Dream World Cup XI
Pickford; James, Guehi, Konsa, O'Reilly; Rice, McTominay; Musiala, Saka; Haaland, Kane
This lineup showcases the depth England could have had, but Tuchel will work with the talent available as the Three Lions aim to end 60 years of hurt.
