Thomas Tuchel will name his England squad for the 2026 World Cup on Friday morning, with several key decisions still unresolved. England dominated Group K in UEFA qualifying, winning all eight matches without conceding a goal, but disappointing performances in March friendlies against Uruguay and Japan have raised questions. Tuchel aims for a squad with clearly defined roles, two players per position, plus a third goalkeeper and three versatile outfield players, totaling 26. He envisions a midfield comprising a No. 6, No. 8, and No. 10, with each player knowing their specific role.
Despite Tuchel's efforts to create clarity, major uncertainties remain, particularly at full-back, in midfield composition, and among the plethora of wingers and No. 10s. Some big names are likely to miss out.
On the Plane
Jordan Pickford: The Everton goalkeeper remains Tuchel's No. 1 after an impressive season.
Dean Henderson: The Crystal Palace keeper is set to be Pickford's backup.
Nico O'Reilly: The Manchester City left-back excelled in November's World Cup qualifiers and secured his place with a two-goal display in the Carabao Cup final.
John Stones: Despite injury struggles, the experienced City center-back will play a role if fit.
Marc Guehi: Stones' City colleague is the most certain defender to start England's first World Cup game.
Ezri Konsa: The Aston Villa center-back has cemented his place as one of Tuchel's most reliable options, having played more minutes under the German than any other defender.
Elliot Anderson: Tuchel sees Anderson as the leading candidate for the holding role, with outstanding performances for Nottingham Forest and England.
Declan Rice: Part of Tuchel's leadership group and essential in the box-to-box No. 8 role.
Jude Bellingham: The Real Madrid star has regained his place despite tension with the manager, but England need his best form.
Morgan Rogers: The Villa midfielder looks poised for a squad place as a No. 10 option.
Bukayo Saka: The 24-year-old winger, despite slight pressure, is certain to be in the squad and likely starts on the right wing.
Anthony Gordon: The Newcastle winger is in contention to start on the left, with over 20 goal contributions this season.
Marcus Rashford: Goals and assists for Barcelona have boosted his cause; his versatility to cover wing and striker helps.
Harry Kane: England's captain has been phenomenal, surpassing 50 goals this season, and the question is whether he can translate club form into tournament dominance.
In Contention
Aaron Ramsdale: Regained third-choice goalkeeper spot, but Tuchel may prefer James Trafford for experience.
James Trafford: Included in March's squad but lack of game time at Manchester City could cost him.
Reece James: Tuchel adores the Chelsea captain and would start him if fit, but his hamstring injury casts doubt.
Tino Livramento: The Newcastle full-back is liked by Tuchel and can play both sides.
Dan Burn: A popular squad player with a towering physical presence, battling for fourth center-back spot.
Harry Maguire: Back in the squad after strong Manchester United form, competing with Burn.
Djed Spence: Tuchel likes his versatility at both full-back roles, but Livramento has had a better season.
Jarell Quansah: The Leverkusen defender made his debut in November and could take a fringe spot.
Lewis Hall: Excellent for Newcastle this season, with a chance after recent international involvement.
Myles Lewis-Skelly: Tuchel loves the Arsenal youngster, but limited left-back minutes and a recent run in central midfield could offer a route.
James Garner: One of few to impress in March's dismal friendlies, could snatch a fringe midfield place.
Kobbie Mainoo: Back in the squad after strong performances for Manchester United under Michael Carrick, but looked sluggish defensively against Japan.
Jordan Henderson: Regular inclusion under Tuchel, possible backup to Anderson in the No. 6 role.
Adam Wharton: The Crystal Palace midfielder has established himself as one of the Premier League's best, capable as a deep-lying playmaker or box-to-box.
Eberechi Eze: Tuchel has praised Eze's creativity, offering something different from Bellingham and Rogers, but faces huge competition.
Morgan Gibbs-White: Initially edged out, but sensational late-season form for Forest has seen him climb back up.
Cole Palmer: Incredible not to list him, but intense competition and a poor performance against Japan cast doubt. Bellingham, Rogers, Foden, and Eze can play his role, while Saka and Madueke are preferred on the right. Palmer will probably go, but Tuchel has concerns about his groin injury.
Phil Foden: Another seemingly certain player who has barely featured under Tuchel and lost his place at City. Struggled as a false nine against Japan.
Noni Madueke: Saka's deputy at Arsenal, should fill the same role for England after a strong performance against Serbia.
Jarrod Bowen: Third choice on the right wing, but good league form and ability to play as a No. 9 could help.
Dominic Solanke: The Tottenham striker has struggled with fitness but was given game time in March. Could be backup No. 9.
Ollie Watkins: A sluggish start saw him left out in November, but a late surge for Aston Villa has lifted him back into contention.
Outside Bets
Trevoh Chalobah: A badly timed injury in the Champions League may have scuppered his hopes, though he is back to fitness.
Levi Colwill: The 23-year-old appears to have put injury troubles behind him and is highly rated by the England hierarchy.
Ben White: Back in the fold after leaving the World Cup in Qatar, Tuchel considered him as a right-back option, but a medial ligament injury against West Ham likely ended his hopes.
Fikayo Tomori: The AC Milan defender was back in March's squad but faces stiff competition for a center-back place.
Luke Shaw: Didn't make March's squad, with Hall and O'Reilly preferred at left-back.
Trent Alexander-Arnold: Tuchel has been frank about preferring James and Livramento, citing defensive concerns. Time seems to have run out for the Real Madrid defender.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin: An impressive goalscoring campaign for Leeds has pushed him into reckoning, but he was sent home from March's camp while Solanke was retained.
Predicted England Squad for 2026 World Cup
Goalkeepers: Pickford, D Henderson, Trafford.
Defenders: James, Livramento, Stones, Guehi, Konsa, Burn, Quansah, Lewis-Skelly, O'Reilly.
Midfielders: Anderson, J Henderson, Wharton, Rice, Mainoo.
Forwards: Saka, Madueke, Palmer, Bellingham, Rogers, Gordon, Rashford.
Strikers: Kane, Watkins.
