Error code: %{errorCode}
Who would make England's World Cup squad if it were picked today?
2026 is just days away and it means we enter a World Cup year, with just six months until the festivities in North America and Mexico.
The draw has been made for the group stage of what will be the biggest tournament in its history and now for the players, it's all about nailing down spots in the final squad ahead of the finals.
FIFA is expected to keep the squads at 26 once again, meaning there's less likely to be big names missing out, but we've had a look at who might make Thomas Tuchel's squad if it were to be picked right now.
Goalkeepers
- Jordan Pickford
- Dean Henderson
- James Trafford
Few slots will automatically pick themselves as easily as this, with all three names likely to be locks for the squad if they are fit heading into next summer.
Everton shotstopper Jordan Pickford came of age in the Gareth Southgate era and is arguably the most consistent goalkeeper England have ever had.
He remains undisputed at number one, with Crystal Palace's Dean Henderson now seemingly established as his de-facto able back up between the posts.
Third spot can often reward an up-and-comer, which means Manchester City's James Trafford feels in the box seat to pip Nick Pope and Aaron Ramsdale.
Missing out: Nick Pope, Aaron Ramsdale
Getty
Defenders
- Reece James
- Marc Guehi
- John Stones
- Ezri Konsa
- Dan Burn
- Nico O'Reilly
- Tino Livramento
- Djed Spence
Injuries, as always, will play a part in the makeup of a likely back four for the Three Lions, but there seems little doubt over who will hold at right-back.
Reece James has rewarded the faith of ex-Chelsea boss Tuchel since overhauling Burnley's Kyle Walker, while Trent Alexander-Arnold flounders at Real Madrid.
If he can continue to dodge injury issues, the Blues man seems a lock - unlike his opposite position, where there's a fascinating battle lining up on the left flank.
Myles Lewis-Skelly appeared primed a year ago, but his lack of minutes at Arsenal means Manchester City's Nico O'Reilly has the line after impressing in November.
In the middle, it seems inconceivable that a fit John Stones would not start as the senior man, but his centre-back partner options offer different strings to the bow.
Crystal Palace man Marc Guehi may have the edge, but Newcastle United's Dan Burn and Aston Villa's Ezri Konsa have both been reliable servants under Tuchel too.
An injury could open the door for Trevoh Chalobah, Jarrell Quansah or even Harry Maguire, whose own fitness issues appear to have curtailed his rep career for good.
Burn's team-mate Tino Livramento and Tottenham Hotspur wing-back Djed Spence meanwhile offer cover on both sides, while Lewis Hall's injury problems remain a barrier too.
Missing out: Jarrell Quansah, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Lewis Hall, Harry Maguire, Trevoh Chalobah, Myles Lewis-Skelly
Getty
Midfielders
- Declan Rice
- Elliott Anderson
- Jordan Henderson
- Morgan Rogers
- Jude Bellingham
- Adam Wharton
Four years ago, England arguably possessed their most balanced midfield for generations, built around Declan Rice and Kalvin Phillips.
The latter's slide from Leeds United hero to Manchester City cast-off however has left the Three Lions stumbling for answers at the back.
They appear to have now finally found them - and yet Tuchel's desire to craft expert balance could well leave his biggest star in the cold.
Jude Bellingham has struggled to impress under the German since his arrival, but is clearly too talented to be left off the plane entirely.
The Real Madrid man faces a serious challenge to his slot in the number ten role however, with Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers impressing.
Behind them, Nottingham Forest man Elliott Anderson has finally found the answers left behind by Phillips to partner Rice in the anchor role.
It allows both men to interchange at the base of the squad, with the former's run aided by Kobbie Mainoo's struggle for Manchester United minutes.
Crystal Palace dynamo Adam Wharton was a bolter inclusion for Euro 2024, and has only improved since then, but the last choice may ruffle feathers.
Jordan Henderson's decision to move to the Middle East earned him plenty of ire and seemingly cost him his international career at one point.
But he has found his calm head at Brentford once again, and Tuchel values his leadership, causing issues for Morgan Gibbs-White and Conor Gallagher's hopes.
Alex Scott and Ruben Loftus-Cheek face uphill battles to impart themselves, but keep an eye out for Mason Mount - another onetime Tuchel favourite in a purple patch.
Missing out: Morgan Gibbs-White, Conor Gallagher, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Kobbie Mainoo, Alex Scott, Mason Mount
Attackers
- Harry Kane
- Ollie Watkins
- Marcus Rashford
- Anthony Gordon
- Bukayo Saka
- Noni Madueke
- Ebere Eze
- Phil Foden
- Cole Palmer
With a ridiculous embarrassment of top-class riches to call upon, England have the attacking talent that could finally end sixty years of hurt.
But as Gareth Southgate found out at Euro 2024, the risk of overloading all his creative stars into a lineup can result in fractured opportunities.
At the very least, there is little doubt about who will lead the line off the plane, with captain Harry Kane front and centre in North America.
Tuchel has spoken about not needing a de-facto backup for the Bayern Munic man, but it seems fanciful one won't go, with Ollie Watkins the likely favourite for the spot.
The Aston Villa man's dream goal at Euro 2024 helped secure his stock, though Leeds United's Dominic Calvert-Lewin is an outside threat.
However, Ivan Toney's Saudi Pro League status likely hurts his chances, while at thirty-five, Brighton's Danny Welbeck may have seen the door close.
In the wide areas, you can take your pick. Arsenal's Bukayo Saka likely has the left-winger spot locked down if fit, with team-mate Noni Madueke close behind him.
On the right, a battle between Barcelona loanee Marcus Rashford, Newcastle's Anthony Gordon and Gunners star Ebere Ezi appears the likely destination.
That's not even counting Manchester City's Phil Foden and Chelsea's Cole Palmer, who will go as forwards, but also likely vie to fill the midfield spots too.
Spare a thought for Jarrod Bowen however. A member of the Euro 2024 team, his form has dipped slightly - and it likely leaves him back home in Blighty.
Missing out: Jarrod Bowen, Ivan Toney, Danny Welbeck, Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Michael Regan - The FA/The FA via Getty Images
Watch World Cup archive, highlights and documentaries for FREE on DAZN
DAZN is the home of FIFA+ , a vast library of football on-demand content including World Cup archive, iconic documentaries, player profiles, live matches and both full match replays and highlights.
Watch it all for FREE on DAZN on smart TVs, phones, tablets, streaming devices, games consoles and web browsers.
FIFA+ includes:
- FIFA World Cup archive - full match replays of all matches from Brazil 1970 to Qatar 2022
- World Cup goals - the best goals from each tournament; every goal from every nation from every tournament
- Original documentaries - including Mo: A Global Icon; Golden Boot: The Documentary; After Diego
- Icons of the game - From Pelé to Cristiano Ronaldo
- Behind-the-scenes content
- Live matches from around the world
If you do not already have the FREE DAZN App, then it is easy to download and register for free to start watching
Follow these instructions....
- Download the free DAZN App from your normal App store on your TV, phone, tablet, or streaming device
- On a laptop or PC visit www.DAZN.com/home
- Select 'Get started' or 'log in'
- Enter your email address, or sign up via the Apple, Google or Facebook options
- You then have access to all of DAZN's free content, including the Matchroom boxing channel, LIV Golf and FIFA+
