With just seven months until the 2026 World Cup in North America, England manager Thomas Tuchel faces the monumental task of selecting his final 26-man squad, aiming to end a 60-year wait for football's ultimate prize.
Flawless Qualification Sets the Stage
The Three Lions concluded a perfect qualification campaign on Sunday night, securing a 2-0 victory against Albania in Tirana. Captain Harry Kane sealed the win with a second-half brace, ensuring England finished top of their group with a flawless record of eight wins from eight games, without conceding a single goal.
This dominant performance allows Tuchel to now fully focus on preparations for the prestigious tournament, with just one more England camp scheduled before the squad departs for North America.
Expert Squad Predictions: Controversy and Consensus
While Tuchel deliberates, Daily Mail's England reporters have stepped in with their own projected 26-man squads, revealing some surprising selections and notable exclusions.
Oliver Holt's Bold Selections
Oliver Holt's squad includes a major surprise: Arsenal's Myles Lewis-Skelly, whom he would not only include but start. Holt argues that despite limited club minutes, Lewis-Skelly is the country's best young player and his versatility makes him a valuable asset.
Holt also advocates for Trent Alexander-Arnold's inclusion as a creative backup to Reece James, and chooses Jack Grealish over Jarrod Bowen for his ability to provide a crucial spark in high-pressure moments.
Ian Ladyman's Experienced Picks
Ian Ladyman strongly believes Alexander-Arnold's unique talent and experience make him indispensable. His squad includes Harry Maguire over Dan Burn, citing the Manchester United defender's superior international experience and ball-playing ability.
Ladyman would exclude Newcastle's Anthony Gordon due to inconsistent form, arguing that Marcus Rashford and Jarrod Bowen offer similar qualities with greater reliability. He emphasises the need for 'artists' like Cole Palmer, Phil Foden, and Jack Grealish to provide the sophistication required to win a World Cup.
Craig Hope's Shock Omission
Craig Hope delivers the most controversial take by leaving Jude Bellingham out of his squad entirely. Hope points to a recent 'show of petulance' in Albania as a red flag that could disrupt squad harmony during the long tournament.
His wildcard pick is 16-year-old Arsenal prospect Max Dowman, suggesting the teenager's unknown quality and big-game nerve could be a secret weapon from the bench.
The Final Countdown Begins
As the clock ticks down to the squad announcement, Tuchel is certain to face sleepless nights. The experts' contrasting opinions highlight the immense depth of talent available and the difficult decisions that lie ahead for the England boss as he prepares for the venture across the Atlantic.
