Top seven England players to watch at FIFA World Cup 2026 ft. Harry Kane
The Three Lions will be determined to win their second FIFA World Cup.
The last time England won the FIFA World Cup was 60 years ago.
They have advanced to the semifinals twice, in 1990 and 2018. However, their 1966 victory at home is still their only victory.
In the European Championship, England has also seen several near-misses recently, losing both the Euro 2020 and Euro 2024 finals.
This time, we will be witnessing new faces in the squad. They will take the responsibility to deliver the second World Cup. A few of them will also be ones to watch out for at the FIFA World Cup 2026.
List of England players to watch out for at the FIFA World Cup 2026
| Rank | Player |
| 7 | Elliot Anderson |
| 6 | Nico O’Reilly |
| 5 | John Stones |
| 4 | Declan Rice |
| 3 | Kobbie Mainoo |
| 2 | Marcus Rashford |
| 1 | Harry Kane |
7. Elliot Anderson
Elliot Anderson is set to be the first player from Nottingham Forest to play for the England national football team at the FIFA World Cup in 36 years. He has solidified his status as a vital box-to-box option in the Three Lions’ midfield while donning the No. 8 shirt.
Anderson’s call-up comes after a fantastic season in the Premier League with Forest. Alongside Declan Rice, he has rapidly established himself as a reliable starter. The player offers crucial ball advancement and defensive coverage.
6. Nico O’Reilly
At the 2026 World Cup, England will undoubtedly rely on Nico O’Reilly, a 21-year-old prospect for Manchester City. His tactical versatility has been highlighted by manager Thomas Tuchel. The coach has selected him in the 26-man squad and given him the No. 3 shirt.
O’Reilly, a brilliant wonderkid and tournament rookie, is making his first significant international appearance. Acclaimed for his strength and technique, he is a crucial tactical asset due to his ability to cover both left-back and centre of midfield.
Also read: Top seven Argentina players to watch at FIFA World Cup 2026 ft. Lionel Messi
5. John Stones
John Stones is a key component of England boss Thomas Tuchel’s ambitions for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Stones, one of the team’s most seasoned players, will be tasked with leading a defence that includes several younger players.
His addition coincides with several significant tactical choices made by Tuchel. The head coach notably excluded well-known players like Cole Palmer and Phil Foden from the team.
4. Declan Rice
One of the best players to watch at the 2026 World Cup is undoubtedly Declan Rice. The 27-year-old, who just won the Premier League with Arsenal, is considered one of the best holding midfielders in the World Cup.
Thomas Tuchel, the manager of England, has a lot of options. Rice can play both as a conventional holding midfielder and as a more box-to-box number eight. Rice has been picked out by England captain Harry Kane as the player he believes will excel, citing his exceptional consistency and experience.
Also read: Top 10 oldest players at FIFA World Cup 2026 ft. Neuer, Ronaldo & Modric
3. Kobbie Mainoo
Kobbie Mainoo has returned to his best under newly recruited United manager Michael Carrick. He helped Manchester United finish third in the Premier League. The player has solidified his status as one of England’s midfield options.
Mainoo can play as a defensive or central midfielder thanks to his physicality and ball-carrying skills. He can prove to be a key member of an England squad that is among the favourites in the tournament.
Also read: Full list of captains of all 48 nations at FIFA World Cup 2026 ft. Argentina’s Lionel Messi
2. Marcus Rashford
Indeed, one of the most thrilling players to watch at the 2026 World Cup will be Marcus Rashford. Under manager Thomas Tuchel, he has secured a vital position in the England team. He is in outstanding form going into the tournament.
Rashford had a fantastic 2025–26 season after a career comeback, helping FC Barcelona win LaLiga and scoring a crucial free kick in El Clásico. He scored 14 goals and provided 11 assists for the Spanish powerhouses in all competitions.
1. Harry Kane
England’s 2026 World Cup campaign will be spearheaded by Harry Kane. Since making his debut in 2015, Kane has been a goal-scoring force for his nation. 11 years later, the timeless 32-year-old has scored 78 goals for his nation, shattering many records.
However, scoring goals will be the least of Kane’s worries. He will be more determined to deliver the World Cup trophy and win his first-ever major international title.
Which group are England in?
They are in group L.
When is their first World Cup game?
It’s on 18th June, 1:30 am IST against Croatia.
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After earning a bachelor's degree in mass media, Rajarshi began his career as a sports writer in 2019, driven by his passion for sports journalism. He has been working in the field for over six years. A devoted fan of Lionel Messi and Barcelona, Rajarshi has been involved in sports since childhood. Before turning his focus to journalism, he even represented his college at the state level. Along with covering football, he enjoys playing the game, watching movies, and experimenting with new recipes in his spare time, as cooking is one of his favorite hobbies.