{"id":2434,"date":"2026-05-20T17:27:02","date_gmt":"2026-05-20T17:27:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/betreview.net\/?p=2434"},"modified":"2026-05-20T17:27:02","modified_gmt":"2026-05-20T17:27:02","slug":"englands-world-cup-2026-squad-whos-on-the-plane-whos-almost-there-and-who-has-work-to-do","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/betreview.net\/?p=2434","title":{"rendered":"England\u2019s World Cup 2026 squad: Who\u2019s on the plane, who\u2019s almost there and who has work to do?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><\/p>\n<div id=\"main\">\n<div class=\"hydrate-root sc-1ihz57b-0\" data-component=\"Newsletter\" data-loading=\"lazy\" data-theme-name=\"independent\">\n<div data-theme-wrapper=\"independent\" style=\"display:contents\">\n<aside class=\"sc-y4bm30-0 jwWhkK newsletter-component sc-1ge0fwe-0\" data-newsletter-key=\"receiveInsideSportNews\">\n<div class=\"sc-y4bm30-2 kcLSBk\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.independent.co.uk\/static-assets\/images\/newsletters\/InsideSport1_1.png\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Inside Sport\" class=\"sc-1mc30lb-0 ggpMaE\"\/><\/div>\n<div class=\"sc-y4bm30-1 inRDZn\">\n<div class=\"sc-y4bm30-3\">\n<div class=\"sc-y4bm30-4 hfveGa\">\n<p><h3 class=\"sc-y4bm30-5 sc-y4bm30-6 fvoxRM cLEJmn\">Inside Sport newsletter: Get an expert guide to the biggest moments shaping the world of sport<\/h3>\n<h3 class=\"sc-y4bm30-5 sc-y4bm30-8 fvoxRM iTZFOX\">Get our free Inside Sport newsletter<\/h3>\n<h3 class=\"sc-y4bm30-5 sc-y4bm30-7 fvoxRM iGYpOF\">Get our free Inside Sport newsletter<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n<p><svg class=\"sc-eaj12q-0 hKcUSR sc-culv3z-0 eifaJK sc-1ix0cah-0 PYnPb sc-y4bm30-10 fUEDPX\"><use href=\"#600f53465147d717\"\/><\/svg><\/div>\n<div class=\"sc-y4bm30-2 kcLSBk sc-y4bm30-9 iQYNfz\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.independent.co.uk\/static-assets\/images\/newsletters\/InsideSport1_1.png\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Inside Sport\" class=\"sc-1mc30lb-0 ggpMaE\"\/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>England have no more games to play before <a href=\"https:\/\/www.independent.co.uk\/topic\/thomas-tuchel\">Thomas Tuchel<\/a> names his squad for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.independent.co.uk\/sport\/football\/world-cup-2026-draw-date-teams-pots-time-b2845235.html\" title=\"World Cup 2026 draw: Date, start time, qualified teams and how it works\">the 2026 World Cup<\/a>, and plenty is still up in the air.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.independent.co.uk\/bulletin\/sport\/england-harry-kane-world-cup-b2866296.html#:~:text=Harry%20Kane%20scored%20a%20late,side%20in%20World%20Cup%20qualifiers.\" title=\"\/bulletin\/sport\/england-harry-kane-world-cup-b2866296.html#:~:text=Harry%20Kane%20scored%20a%20late,side%20in%20World%20Cup%20qualifiers.\">England dominated Group K<\/a> in Uefa qualifying to book their place at next summer\u2019s World Cup, winning all eight games without conceding a goal. <\/p>\n<p>But they disappointed in March\u2019s international friendlies <a href=\"https:\/\/www.independent.co.uk\/sport\/football\/england-uruguay-thomas-tuchel-wembley-friendly-goals-result-b2947409.html\" title=\"Thomas Tuchel\u2019s England experiment yields few answers after disconnected performance at Wembley\">against Uruguay<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.independent.co.uk\/sport\/football\/england-japan-result-score-world-cup-palmer-foden-b2949814.html\" title=\"Thomas Tuchel\u2019s No 10 dilemma becomes clear as Palmer and Foden toil in England defeat by Japan\">Japan<\/a>, and now the manager has just a few weeks to finalise his squad to take to USA, Canada and Mexico in June. <\/p>\n<p>Tuchel has made clear that he wants to build a squad with clearly defined roles, and two players for every position on the pitch, plus a third goalkeeper and three versatile outfield players to round out the 26. He sees his midfield comprising a No 6, a No 8 and No 10, and wants each player to know their specific role in the side.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.independent.co.uk\/sport\/football\/declan-rice-england-rice-thomas-tuchel-jude-bellingham-b2843090.html\" title=\"Declan Rice expects England\u2019s big names to be back in Thomas Tuchel\u2019s squad soon\">But despite Tuchel\u2019s attempts to create clarity, there remain major questions<\/a> over the full-back positions, the composition of midfield and the plethora of wingers and No 10s to whittle down \u2013 with some big names likely to miss out.<\/p>\n<p>So who will Tuchel select in his 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup? While you can find everything you need to know about the announcement <a href=\"https:\/\/www.independent.co.uk\/sport\/football\/england-squad-world-cup-2026-tuchel-b2949948.html\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div class=\"sc-awdjp1-2 cbpRGD sc-awdjp1-3 image align-center\">\n<figure class=\"sc-1cbdeug-0 cXcwgU\">\n<div data-gallery-length=\"7\" class=\"sc-awdjp1-0 eDWWCo\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.independent.co.uk\/2025\/11\/17\/15\/32\/England-squad-pics.png\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.independent.co.uk\/2025\/11\/17\/15\/32\/England-squad-pics.png?quality=75&amp;width=320&amp;auto=webp 320w, https:\/\/static.independent.co.uk\/2025\/11\/17\/15\/32\/England-squad-pics.png?quality=75&amp;width=640&amp;auto=webp 640w\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"England will take a 26-player squad to the 2026 World Cup\" class=\"sc-1mc30lb-0 ggpMaE inline-gallery-btn\"\/><\/div><figcaption class=\"sc-1cbdeug-1 sc-1cbdeug-3 YlsWU hgzWpY\">England will take a 26-player squad to the 2026 World Cup<span class=\"sc-1cbdeug-7 gjqsiM\"> <!-- -->(<!-- -->Getty Images\/The Independent<!-- -->)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p><h2>On the plane<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<p><strong>Jordan Pickford<\/strong>: The Everton keeper was Gareth Southgate\u2019s No 1 and has maintained top spot under Thomas Tuchel, with an impressive season for his club.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Dean Henderson<\/strong>: The Crystal Palace goalkeeper is set to be Pickford\u2019s back-up.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Nico O\u2019Reilly: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.independent.co.uk\/sport\/football\/england-player-ratings-serbia-wembley-b2864971.html\" title=\"England player ratings: Elliot Anderson and Eberchi Eze impress in World Cup qualifying win over Serbia\">The Manchester City left-back was excellent<\/a> in November\u2019s World Cup qualifiers after impressing under Pep Guardiola this season, and his two-goal show in the Carabao Cup final only further secured his place in the England squad.<\/p>\n<p><strong>John Stones<\/strong>: The Manchester City defender has endured a difficult season with injury but, if he is fit, the experienced centre-back will play a role at the World Cup.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Marc Guehi<\/strong>: Stones\u2019 fellow City defender is perhaps the most certain defender to start England\u2019s first World Cup game.<\/p>\n<p><iframe src=\"https:\/\/widgets.touch.global\/sdk\/iframe.html?language=en&amp;hash=2-rbo0jkwjXjonvTU\" width=\"100%\" height=\"540px\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"web-share\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p><strong>Ezri Konsa<\/strong>: The Aston Villa centre-back has cemented his place as one of Tuchel\u2019s most reliable options, having played more minutes under the German manager than any other defender.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Elliot Anderson<\/strong>: Tuchel has made clear that Anderson is the leading candidate to play in the holding role position, and his performances for Nottingham Forest and England have been outstanding. Anderson\u2019s defensive instincts will help free up Declan Rice in midfield. <\/p>\n<div class=\"sc-awdjp1-2 cbpRGD sc-awdjp1-3 image align-center\">\n<figure class=\"sc-1cbdeug-0 cXcwgU\">\n<div data-gallery-length=\"7\" class=\"sc-awdjp1-0 jLMZWp\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.independent.co.uk\/2025\/10\/11\/23\/768b19ba77e3f487ea7fe0a5deb593d1Y29udGVudHNlYXJjaGFwaSwxNzYwMjg4NTg4-2.81548905.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.independent.co.uk\/2025\/10\/11\/23\/768b19ba77e3f487ea7fe0a5deb593d1Y29udGVudHNlYXJjaGFwaSwxNzYwMjg4NTg4-2.81548905.jpg?quality=75&amp;width=320&amp;auto=webp 320w, https:\/\/static.independent.co.uk\/2025\/10\/11\/23\/768b19ba77e3f487ea7fe0a5deb593d1Y29udGVudHNlYXJjaGFwaSwxNzYwMjg4NTg4-2.81548905.jpg?quality=75&amp;width=640&amp;auto=webp 640w\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Nottingham Forest\u2019s Elliot Anderson is in Thomas Tuchel\u2019s plans\" class=\"sc-1mc30lb-0 ggpMaE inline-gallery-btn\"\/><\/div><figcaption class=\"sc-1cbdeug-1 sc-1cbdeug-3 YlsWU hgzWpY\">Nottingham Forest\u2019s Elliot Anderson is in Thomas Tuchel\u2019s plans<span class=\"sc-1cbdeug-7 gjqsiM\"> <!-- -->(<!-- -->PA<!-- -->)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p><strong>Declan Rice<\/strong>: Part of Tuchel\u2019s leadership group and essential to any success at the World Cup in England\u2019s box-to-box No 8 position.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Jude Bellingham<\/strong>: The Real Madrid man has<a href=\"https:\/\/www.independent.co.uk\/sport\/football\/thomas-tuchel-jude-bellingham-recall-england-b2860820.html\" title=\"England boss Thomas Tuchel reveals why he recalled Jude Bellingham\"> won back his place<\/a> in the England squad, although there remains <a href=\"https:\/\/www.independent.co.uk\/sport\/football\/jude-bellingham-thomas-tuchel-england-substitution-b2866576.html\" title=\"Jude Bellingham has to accept Thomas Tuchel\u2019s one non-negotiable to make World Cup\">tension with the manager<\/a>. Yet England need their best players firing to have any chance of winning the World Cup, and Bellingham is undoubtedly one of them.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Morgan Rogers:<\/strong> Tuchel turned to Rogers in Bellingham\u2019s absence during qualifying, and the Villa midfielder looks poised to earn a place in the squad as an option at No 10.<\/p>\n<p><iframe data-testid=\"embed-iframe\" style=\"border-radius:12px\" src=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/embed\/episode\/7fNXkQP2bBSSLPzubWHilJ?utm_source=generator\" width=\"100%\" height=\"352\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"\" allow=\"autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p><strong>Bukayo Saka<\/strong>: The 24-year-old winger is under a little bit of pressure to refind his best form for Arsenal, but will certainly be in the squad and is the most likely starter on England\u2019s right wing this summer.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Anthony Gordon<\/strong>: The Newcastle winger is contention to start on the left wing, and has regularly featured there for Tuchel so far. He has racked up more than 20 goal contributions this season, making him one of the few England forwards in form.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Marcus Rashford<\/strong>: Goals and assists for Barcelona have pushed Rashford\u2019s cause and Tuchel likes him, although the manager has also <a href=\"https:\/\/www.independent.co.uk\/sport\/football\/thomas-tuchel-marcus-rashford-england-b2844618.html\" title=\"Thomas Tuchel warns Marcus Rashford not to be \u2018disappointed\u2019 at the end of his career\">had cautionary words about wasting his talent<\/a>. Rashford\u2019s versatility, able to cover both wing and striker should Kane need it, helps his selection cause.<\/p>\n<div class=\"sc-awdjp1-2 cbpRGD sc-awdjp1-3 image align-center\">\n<figure class=\"sc-1cbdeug-0 cXcwgU\">\n<div data-gallery-length=\"7\" class=\"sc-awdjp1-0 kWQmtH\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.independent.co.uk\/2025\/07\/04\/17\/c3d61ae5f957b1e59a959e745722aae9Y29udGVudHNlYXJjaGFwaSwxNzUxNzMwMDA2-2.79503940.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.independent.co.uk\/2025\/07\/04\/17\/c3d61ae5f957b1e59a959e745722aae9Y29udGVudHNlYXJjaGFwaSwxNzUxNzMwMDA2-2.79503940.jpg?quality=75&amp;width=320&amp;auto=webp 320w, https:\/\/static.independent.co.uk\/2025\/07\/04\/17\/c3d61ae5f957b1e59a959e745722aae9Y29udGVudHNlYXJjaGFwaSwxNzUxNzMwMDA2-2.79503940.jpg?quality=75&amp;width=640&amp;auto=webp 640w\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Marcus Rashford has featured regularly in Thomas Tuchel\u2019s England side\" class=\"sc-1mc30lb-0 ggpMaE inline-gallery-btn\"\/><\/div><figcaption class=\"sc-1cbdeug-1 sc-1cbdeug-3 YlsWU hgzWpY\">Marcus Rashford has featured regularly in Thomas Tuchel\u2019s England side<span class=\"sc-1cbdeug-7 gjqsiM\"> <!-- -->(<!-- -->Mike Egerton\/PA<!-- -->)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p><strong>Harry Kane:<\/strong> It is easy to forget that plenty of pundits and fans wanted Kane dropped for the Euro 2024 final. He has been phenomenal ever since, closing in on 50 goals this campaign, and the big question now about England\u2019s captain is whether he can translate his sensational club form at Bayern Munich into dominating a major international tournament. <\/p>\n<p><h2>Almost there<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<p><strong>Aaron Ramsdale<\/strong>: Looks to have regained his place as England\u2019s third-choice goalkeeper, but needs to maintain club form for Newcastle to secure his spot.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Reece James<\/strong>: Tuchel adores the Chelsea captain and there is no doubt James will be at the World Cup if he is fit, most likely as the starting right-back. But his fitness in itself is such an uncertainty \u2013 he has only recently recovered from a hamstring injury \u2013 that he doesn\u2019t make our on-the-plane list, yet.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Ben White<\/strong>: Back in the fold for the first time since leaving the World Cup in Qatar, Tuchel is now considering White as a right-back option. The Arsenal defender could be drafted in if James is unfit.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Tino Livramento<\/strong>: The Newcastle full-back is liked by Tuchel and his ability to play both sides adds to his appeal. He is currently recovering from a thigh injury.<\/p>\n<div class=\"sc-awdjp1-2 cbpRGD sc-awdjp1-3 image align-center\">\n<figure class=\"sc-1cbdeug-0 cXcwgU\">\n<div data-gallery-length=\"7\" class=\"sc-awdjp1-0 fezWKR\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.independent.co.uk\/2025\/03\/25\/10\/367dbcdacc7a6310179aeac9ca429c9dY29udGVudHNlYXJjaGFwaSwxNzQyOTg1NzM1-2.79503230.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.independent.co.uk\/2025\/03\/25\/10\/367dbcdacc7a6310179aeac9ca429c9dY29udGVudHNlYXJjaGFwaSwxNzQyOTg1NzM1-2.79503230.jpg?quality=75&amp;width=320&amp;auto=webp 320w, https:\/\/static.independent.co.uk\/2025\/03\/25\/10\/367dbcdacc7a6310179aeac9ca429c9dY29udGVudHNlYXJjaGFwaSwxNzQyOTg1NzM1-2.79503230.jpg?quality=75&amp;width=640&amp;auto=webp 640w\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Reece James, centre, celebrates his goal against Latvia (Mike Egerton\/PA)\" class=\"sc-1mc30lb-0 ggpMaE inline-gallery-btn\"\/><\/div><figcaption class=\"sc-1cbdeug-1 sc-1cbdeug-3 YlsWU hgzWpY\">Reece James, centre, celebrates his goal against Latvia (Mike Egerton\/PA)<span class=\"sc-1cbdeug-7 gjqsiM\"> <!-- -->(<!-- -->PA Wire<!-- -->)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p><strong>Dan Burn<\/strong>: Burn is a popular and well-respected squad player who adds something different with his towering physical presence. He is currently battling to be Tuchel\u2019s fourth choice at centre-back behind Stones, Guehi and Konsa, but faces competition from Harry Maguire.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Jordan Henderson<\/strong>: Henderson has been a regular inclusion by Tuchel during qualifying and it is likely he will be in the squad as the back-up to Anderson in the No 6 role, if he can maintain good form for Brentford this season.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Adam Wharton<\/strong>: The Crystal Palace midfielder was something of a surprise inclusion by Gareth Southgate at Euro 2024 but has since established himself as one of the best midfielders in the Premier League, with the ability to play as a deep-lying playmaker as well as in a box-to-box role. He played in November\u2019s match against Albania as the No 6.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Noni Madueke<\/strong>: Madueke is Saka\u2019s deputy at Arsenal and should fill the same role for England, having performed well in September\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.independent.co.uk\/sport\/football\/serbia-england-goals-result-world-cup-qualifying-madueke-rogers-b2823303.html\" title=\"England finally deliver on Thomas Tuchel\u2019s vision with five-goal rout of Serbia\">thrashing of Serbia<\/a>. But his injury,<a href=\"https:\/\/www.independent.co.uk\/sport\/football\/noni-madueke-injury-doubt-england-uruguay-wembley-b2947385.html\" title=\"Noni Madueke injury forces early substitution against Uruguay and concern for Arsenal\"> sustained against Uruguay<\/a>, was concerning.<\/p>\n<p><h2>Work to do<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<p><strong>Harry Maguire: <\/strong>Back in the squad after strong form for Manchester United, but faces a fight with Burn for what will likely be the fourth and final centre-back berth in North America.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Djed Spence<\/strong>: Much like Livramento, Tuchel likes that Spence has experience playing both full-back roles for his club, Tottenham. But it may be that only one of the two full-backs goes to the World Cup, and Livramento has enjoyed a better season with his club. <\/p>\n<p><strong>Jarell Quansah<\/strong>: The Leverkusen defender made <a href=\"https:\/\/www.independent.co.uk\/sport\/football\/jude-bellingham-jarell-quansah-england-thomas-tuchel-albania-b2866230.html\" title=\"Jude Bellingham starts and Jarell Quansah makes England debut against Albania\">his long-awaited debut in November\u2019s World Cup qualifiers<\/a> and could take one of the fringe spots in the squad. <\/p>\n<p><strong>Lewis Hall: <\/strong>The defender has been excellent for Newcastle this season and has a chance of making the World Cup squad after his involvement in recent internationals.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Myles Lewis-Skelly<\/strong>: Tuchel loves the Arsenal youngster, but he has barely featured at left-back for the Gunners this season, with Riccardo Calafiori and Piero Hincapie both preferred by Mikel Arteta \u2013 which <a href=\"https:\/\/www.independent.co.uk\/sport\/football\/mikel-arteta-myles-lewis-skelly-england-squad-thomas-tuchel-arsenal-b2860681.html\" title=\"Mikel Arteta responds to Thomas Tuchel dropping Myles Lewis-Skelly for latest England squad\">cost him his place in November\u2019s squad<\/a>. Yet a recent, impressive run in central midfield could give Lewis-Skelly a route into England\u2019s plans.<\/p>\n<p><strong>James<\/strong> <strong>Garner<\/strong>: One of the few players to come away with any credit from England\u2019s dismal March internationals, and could snatch one of the fringe places in the squad as back-up midfielder.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Kobbie<\/strong> <strong>Mainoo<\/strong>: Back in the squad after strong performances for a rejuvenated Manchester United under Michael Carrick, but looked a little sluggish defensively in the March friendly against Japan. <\/p>\n<p><strong>Eberechi Eze<\/strong>: Tuchel has spoken in glowing terms about Eze as a player who offers something different, creatively, from Bellingham and Rogers. His ability to play wide and as a No 10 would be a useful asset in the squad, although he still faces huge competition for a spot.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Morgan Gibbs-White<\/strong>: Gibbs-White was initially given minutes by Tuchel before being edged out by the sheer number of options in central roles. But his sensational late-season form for Forest has seen him climb back up the pecking order.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Cole Palmer<\/strong>: It seems incredible not to list Palmer on the plane, but the sheer intensity of competition for attacking spots makes his position uncertain, and his <a href=\"https:\/\/www.independent.co.uk\/sport\/football\/england-japan-result-score-world-cup-palmer-foden-b2949814.html\" title=\"Thomas Tuchel\u2019s No 10 dilemma becomes clear as Palmer and Foden toil in England defeat by Japan\">poor performance against Japan<\/a> only increased the doubt over his place. Bellingham, Rogers, Foden and Eze can all play in that role, while Saka and Madueke appear likely to be first-choice options on the right flank. Palmer will probably be at the World Cup, but Tuchel has made no guarantees and has <a href=\"https:\/\/www.independent.co.uk\/sport\/football\/cole-palmer-injury-news-chelsea-fpl-b2834282.html\" title=\"Cole Palmer to \u2018rest for three weeks\u2019 as Chelsea offer update on groin injury\">raised concerns about his groin injury<\/a>. <\/p>\n<div class=\"sc-awdjp1-2 cbpRGD sc-awdjp1-3 image align-center\">\n<figure class=\"sc-1cbdeug-0 cXcwgU\">\n<div data-gallery-length=\"7\" class=\"sc-awdjp1-0 fRUfcB\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.independent.co.uk\/2026\/03\/31\/20\/07\/England-v-Japan-International-Friendly-Wembley-Stadium-u4mg421k.jpeg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.independent.co.uk\/2026\/03\/31\/20\/07\/England-v-Japan-International-Friendly-Wembley-Stadium-u4mg421k.jpeg?quality=75&amp;width=320&amp;auto=webp 320w, https:\/\/static.independent.co.uk\/2026\/03\/31\/20\/07\/England-v-Japan-International-Friendly-Wembley-Stadium-u4mg421k.jpeg?quality=75&amp;width=640&amp;auto=webp 640w\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Cole Palmer struggled to impose himself on Japan at Wembley\" class=\"sc-1mc30lb-0 ggpMaE inline-gallery-btn\"\/><\/div><figcaption class=\"sc-1cbdeug-1 sc-1cbdeug-3 YlsWU hgzWpY\">Cole Palmer struggled to impose himself on Japan at Wembley<span class=\"sc-1cbdeug-7 gjqsiM\"> <!-- -->(<!-- -->John Walton\/PA Wire<!-- -->)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p><strong>Phil Foden<\/strong>: Foden is another in the Palmer bracket where it seems odd that he wouldn\u2019t be at a major tournament for England, and yet the City midfielder has barely featured under Tuchel so far and has lost his place in Pep Guardiola\u2019s team. Struggled playing as a false nine against Japan in the March internationals.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Jarrod Bowen<\/strong>: The West Ham captain seems to be third choice on the right wing behind Saka and Madueke, but his league form is excellent and he has a chance of squeezing onto the plane. Bowen\u2019s ability to play as No 9 could also play in his favour, if Tuchel decides not to take a back-up striker.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Dominic<\/strong> <strong>Solanke<\/strong>: The Tottenham striker has struggled for fitness this season but was given gametime in the March friendlies. He needs a strong finish to the season to be England\u2019s back-up No 9.<\/p>\n<p><h2>Outside bets<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<p><strong>James Trafford<\/strong>: Included in England\u2019s March squad, but the goalkeeper\u2019s lack of game time for Manchester City this season may see him miss out on the World Cup.<\/p>\n<div class=\"sc-awdjp1-2 cbpRGD sc-awdjp1-3 image align-center\">\n<figure class=\"sc-1cbdeug-0 cXcwgU\">\n<div data-gallery-length=\"7\" class=\"sc-awdjp1-0 bfqsKg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.independent.co.uk\/2025\/10\/03\/10\/00\/SEI244773674.jpeg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.independent.co.uk\/2025\/10\/03\/10\/00\/SEI244773674.jpeg?quality=75&amp;width=320&amp;auto=webp 320w, https:\/\/static.independent.co.uk\/2025\/10\/03\/10\/00\/SEI244773674.jpeg?quality=75&amp;width=640&amp;auto=webp 640w\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Myles Lewis-Skelly faces a fight for minutes at Arsenal this season\" class=\"sc-1mc30lb-0 ggpMaE inline-gallery-btn\"\/><\/div><figcaption class=\"sc-1cbdeug-1 sc-1cbdeug-3 YlsWU hgzWpY\">Myles Lewis-Skelly faces a fight for minutes at Arsenal this season<span class=\"sc-1cbdeug-7 gjqsiM\"> <!-- -->(<!-- -->The FA via Getty<!-- -->)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p><strong>Trevoh Chalobah:<\/strong> A badly timed injury playing in the Champions League for Chelsea may have scuppered Chalobah\u2019s hopes of making the World Cup, although he is back to fitness now.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Levi Colwill<\/strong>: The 23-year-old appears to have put his injury troubles behind him, and is known to he highly rated by the England hierarchy.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Fikayo<\/strong> <strong>Tomori<\/strong>: The AC Milan defender was back in the squad for March, but faces stiff competition for a centre-back place.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Luke Shaw<\/strong>: Didn\u2019t make the March squad, with Hall and O\u2019Reilly preferred as left-back options.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Trent Alexander-Arnold<\/strong>: Tuchel has been frank about his preference for James and Livramento in the pecking order at right-back, hinting at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.independent.co.uk\/sport\/football\/england-trent-alexander-arnold-liverpool-real-madrid-thomas-tuchel-b2756776.html\" title=\"England\u2019s Trent Alexander-Arnold puzzle and how Thomas Tuchel aims to solve it\">concerns about Alexander-Arnold\u2019s defensive concentration<\/a>. Time seems to have run out for the Real Madrid defender to win back his place.<\/p>\n<div class=\"sc-awdjp1-2 cbpRGD sc-awdjp1-3 image align-center\">\n<figure class=\"sc-1cbdeug-0 cXcwgU\">\n<div data-gallery-length=\"7\" class=\"sc-awdjp1-0 hcopEw\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.independent.co.uk\/2025\/09\/17\/12\/0ed91e7b7049518dc6e5d11c05378de4Y29udGVudHNlYXJjaGFwaSwxNzU4MTkzODMw-2.80617279.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.independent.co.uk\/2025\/09\/17\/12\/0ed91e7b7049518dc6e5d11c05378de4Y29udGVudHNlYXJjaGFwaSwxNzU4MTkzODMw-2.80617279.jpg?quality=75&amp;width=320&amp;auto=webp 320w, https:\/\/static.independent.co.uk\/2025\/09\/17\/12\/0ed91e7b7049518dc6e5d11c05378de4Y29udGVudHNlYXJjaGFwaSwxNzU4MTkzODMw-2.80617279.jpg?quality=75&amp;width=640&amp;auto=webp 640w\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Trent Alexander-Arnold must impress at Real Madrid to be at the World Cup\" class=\"sc-1mc30lb-0 ggpMaE inline-gallery-btn\"\/><\/div><figcaption class=\"sc-1cbdeug-1 sc-1cbdeug-3 YlsWU hgzWpY\">Trent Alexander-Arnold must impress at Real Madrid to be at the World Cup<span class=\"sc-1cbdeug-7 gjqsiM\"> <!-- -->(<!-- -->PA<!-- -->)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p><strong>Dominic Calvert-Lewin: <\/strong>An impressive goalscoring campaign for Leeds has seen Calvert-Lewin push himself into the reckoning. But he was sent home from the March camp while Dominic Solanke was retained, suggesting the Spurs striker is preferred.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Ollie Watkins<\/strong>: A sluggish start to the Premier League season saw Watkins left out of the squad for November\u2019s internationals. The Aston Villa striker was decisive at Euro 2024, but he has lost his place as Kane\u2019s deputy.<\/p>\n<p><h2>Predicted England squad for 2026 World Cup<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<p><strong>Goalkeepers<\/strong>: Pickford, D Henderson, Ramsdale.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Defenders<\/strong>: James, Livramento, Stones, Guehi, Konsa, Burn, Quansah, Lewis-Skelly, O\u2019Reilly.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Midfielders<\/strong>: Anderson, J Henderson, Wharton, Rice, Mainoo.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Forwards<\/strong>: Saka, Madueke, Palmer, Bellingham, Rogers, Gordon, Rashford.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Strikers<\/strong>: Kane, Solanke.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Inside Sport newsletter: Get an expert guide to the biggest moments shaping the world of&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2435,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2434","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-sports"],"featured_image_urls":{"full":["https:\/\/betreview.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/England-squad-pics.png",1200,800,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/betreview.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/England-squad-pics-150x150.png",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/betreview.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/England-squad-pics-300x200.png",300,200,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/betreview.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/England-squad-pics-768x512.png",640,427,true],"large":["https:\/\/betreview.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/England-squad-pics-1024x683.png",640,427,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/betreview.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/England-squad-pics.png",1200,800,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/betreview.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/England-squad-pics.png",1200,800,false],"covernews-slider-full":["https:\/\/betreview.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/England-squad-pics-1115x715.png",1115,715,true],"covernews-slider-center":["https:\/\/betreview.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/England-squad-pics-800x500.png",800,500,true],"covernews-featured":["https:\/\/betreview.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/England-squad-pics-1024x683.png",1024,683,true],"covernews-medium":["https:\/\/betreview.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/England-squad-pics-540x340.png",540,340,true],"covernews-medium-square":["https:\/\/betreview.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/England-squad-pics-400x250.png",400,250,true]},"author_info":{"display_name":"admin","author_link":"https:\/\/betreview.net\/?author=1"},"category_info":"<a href=\"https:\/\/betreview.net\/?cat=6\" rel=\"category\">Sports<\/a>","tag_info":"Sports","comment_count":"0","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/betreview.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2434","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/betreview.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/betreview.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/betreview.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/betreview.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2434"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/betreview.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2434\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/betreview.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/2435"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/betreview.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2434"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/betreview.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2434"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/betreview.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2434"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}