Who Will Start For England At The 2026 World Cup? - Early Prediction
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Who Will Start For England At The 2026 World Cup? - Early Prediction

Who Will Start For England At The 2026 World Cup? - Early Prediction

Thomas Tuchel takes charge of his first major tournament as England head coach in the 2026 World Cup.

Three wins from four is a good start results-wise for Tuchel's Three Lions, despite a disappointing defeat to Senegal at Nottingham Forest's City Ground and generally un-inspiring performances throughout, but having finished runners-up of Euro 2020 and 2024, England will be expected to go one further and win silverware for the first time since 1966.

With a host of players to pick from, we try to predict, ridiculously early, who will be in the starting eleven for 2026.

Jordan Pickford

The Everton goalkeeper has been a constant starter for England since his debut in 2017, making 76 appearances - second all-time amongst goalkeepers.

The 2026 World Cup is most likely going to be the last major tournament as the first choice keeper for the 31-year old, with the likes of Dean Henderson and James Trafford waiting in the wings.

However, the Everton shot stopper has more than earned the opportunity to stand between the posts for his nation.

Trent Alexander-Arnold

Thomas Tuchel will have a tough choice to make regarding the right-back position. Reece James, a stable for the German manager during his time at Chelsea, will be sure to get a look in, but Trent Alexander-Arnold is our pick for the position.

The 26-year old has just completed his controversial move from Liverpool to Real Madrid.

Despite James’ superior defensive ability, Alexander-Arnold’s impact at the Santiago Bernabeu will be too much to overlook come time to select an eleven for the World Cup.

Alexander-Arnold has had a rollercoaster of an England career, having previously been left out on occasions by Gareth Southgate. Alexander-Arnold scored the winning penalty in the quarter final of Euro 2024 against Switzerland.

Marc Guehi

One of the standout performers at Euro 2024, Marc Guehi has gone from strength to strength since making his Three Lions debut in 2022.

Having registered 23 appearances, Guehi partnered John Stones for the majority of Euro 2024.

The Crystal Palace centre-back is expected to be one of the first names on the team sheet once again come 2026.

Ezri Konsa

While Marc Guehi’s position in the team is all but confirmed, the second centre-back spot is more up for grabs.

Chelsea’s Levi Colwill and Newcastle’s Dan Burn have established themselves as worthy contenders to partner Guehi.

However, Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa is our pick to take the role for the 2026 World Cup.

Having played twice for England at major tournaments, including a start against Switzerland in the quarter-final, Konsa provides experience alongside being a tactical fit.

The 27-year old has started three of Thomas Tuchel’s four games in charge of England, winning all three matches. Konsa has made 11 appearances for England since making his debut in 2024.

Myles Lewis-Skelly

The youngest player in the starting eleven, Myles Lewis-Skelly has burst onto the scene with Arsenal.

At just 18 years-old, Lewis-Skelly has registered 39 appearances for the Gunners, including ten UEFA Champions League matches. With the ability to play at left-back or in midfield, Lewis-Skelly brings comfortability on the ball and versatility.

The Arsenal youngster made good on his first impression for the England senior team, scoring the first goal of the Thomas Tuchel era on his debut against Albania.

Lewis-Skelly has since gone on to play three times for his country, with plenty more sure to come after a strong breakthrough campaign.

Declan Rice

Declan Rice has been described by many as a future England captain, and remains a shoe-in for one of the starting midfield spots for 2026.

Regarded one of the best in the world in his position, Rice has made 64 appearances for England.

Proven to step up when the lights are brightest, Tuchel will have full faith in Rice’s ability to steady the ship if things get tough.

Jude Bellingham

One of the most decorated players in the entire squad, Jude Bellingham’s place in the starting eleven is almost a guarantee.

The Real Madrid midfielder has scored 42 goals for club and country since his move the the Spanish giants in 2023.

Arguably England’s most clutch player, Bellingham’s last major tournament is remembered for his stunning 95th minute overhead kick against Slovakia to take the match to extra time.

Anthony Gordon

Compared to the other positions in the side, left-wing has fewer contenders for the starting spot as of today.

With the likes of Phil Foden and Marcus Rashford in the frame, Anthony Gordon just edges it heading into the World Cup.

A key figure for Champions League side Newcastle United, Gordon’s pace and work rate could be vital for Tuchel’s system. Gordon has registered 10 appearances for England since making his debut in 2024.

At club level Gordon has scored 17 goals and provided 15 assists in his last two seasons with Newcastle.

Bukayo Saka

At just 23-years old, Bukayo Saka has solidified the right-wing position for England as his.

England Men’s Player of the Year for 2021/22 and 2022/23, the Arsenal forward has scored 12 goals in 43 appearances for the Three Lions.

Heading into his fourth major tournament, Saka will be hoping to put the heartbreak of Euro 2020 and 2024 behind him and jump over that final hurdle with England.

Cole Palmer

In such a short period of time, Cole Palmer has turned himself into a household name in the footballing world.

England’s only goal scorer in the Euro 2024 final, Palmer will be hoping to have the opportunity to prove himself from the start heading into the World Cup, having provided moments off the bench for the Three Lions since his debut in 2023.

Despite scoring 40 goals in 92 appearances for Chelsea, Palmer’s place in the starting eleven isn’t a guarantee.

However, another strong season with Chelsea, now in the UEFA Champions League, should be enough to cement his place.

Harry Kane

The least surprising inclusion on the list, Harry Kane will more than certainly captain his country to a fifth major tournament.

Having ended his infamous personal trophy drought with a Bundesliga title with Bayern Munich, the 31-year old striker will be looking to be at the focal point of bringing the World Cup to England for the first time in 60 years.

With 73 goals in 107 appearances, Kane sits atop the all-time goal scorer list for the Three Lions.

At club level, Kane has scored 82 goals in 92 appearances for Bayern Munich, since signing for the German side from Tottenham in August 2023.

Benji Kosartiyer
Journalist
Reece Coughlan

Writer

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