England Fans Reveal Top 10 World Cup Picks for Tuchel's Squad
England supporters have made their voices heard, selecting the players they believe should be included in the national team's squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup. With manager Thomas Tuchel yet to announce his final selections, the fan vote highlights both clear favourites and contentious decisions ahead of this summer's tournament in North America.
Kane Leads the Pack as England's Undisputed Striker
Unsurprisingly, Harry Kane sits comfortably at the top of the fan rankings with an overwhelming 96% approval rating. The England captain and all-time leading scorer has enjoyed a phenomenal season with Bayern Munich, netting 46 goals in 41 Bundesliga appearances. At 32 years old, Kane's consistent performance and leadership make him an indispensable asset for Tuchel's plans.
Following closely behind are defender Marc Guehi and midfielder Declan Rice, both securing 95% of the vote. Guehi's seamless transition to Manchester City in January has solidified his reputation as England's premier defender, while Rice continues to dominate Arsenal's midfield and proved crucial during England's qualifying campaign.
Established Stars and Rising Talents Feature Prominently
Bukayo Saka claims fourth position with 94% support, despite a slight dip in goal contributions this season. His overall influence in Arsenal's successful campaign remains undeniable, making him a likely inclusion. Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford follows in fifth place with 93%, maintaining his position as England's first-choice keeper despite competition from Dean Henderson.
Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham occupies sixth spot with 92% approval. Although Real Madrid have experienced a challenging season, the 22-year-old midfielder has still managed seven goals and five assists, demonstrating his world-class potential. These six players align perfectly with Mirror chief football writer John Cross's list of 'Tuchel Untouchables' from his recent podcast analysis.
Competitive Midfield and Defensive Selections
Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer secure seventh and eighth positions respectively, though both face intense competition for the attacking midfield role. Tuchel possesses numerous options in this position, including Eberechi Eze and Phil Foden, creating a selection headache for the German coach.
Chelsea captain Reece James ranks ninth, having overcome injury setbacks to reaffirm his status as one of the Premier League's finest right-backs. Completing the top ten is Marcus Rashford with 83% support. The Manchester United loanee has revitalised his career at Barcelona, contributing ten goals and ten assists in Spain.
Players Facing Uncertain World Cup Prospects
At the opposite end of the spectrum, several players received minimal fan support. Brighton's Jack Hinshelwood sits at the bottom with just 21% approval, while Liam Delap follows closely with 24%. Other notable names struggling for fan backing include Ruben Loftus-Cheek (26%), Mason Mount (29%), and former captain Jordan Henderson (33%).
With the 2026 World Cup expanding to 48 nations, squad selection becomes increasingly critical. Tuchel must balance fan expectations with tactical requirements, particularly given England's wealth of talent in certain positions. The fan vote clearly indicates that certain players are viewed as non-negotiable inclusions, while others face an uphill battle to secure their places.
As England prepare for two friendlies next month, all eyes will be on Tuchel's preliminary squad announcement. The German manager's decisions will ultimately determine whether fan favourites translate into tournament success for the Three Lions in North America.
