England predicted lineup for FIFA World Cup 2026 ft. Kane & Rashford
Thomas Tuchel left out too many big names from the Three Lions squad.
One of the heavyweights and the favourites to win the FIFA World Cup 2026, England, announced their 26-man squad recently. After the departure of Gareth Southgate post Euro 2024, they roped in former Champions League-winning gaffer Thomas Tuchel, who has previously led English teams to continental glory.
The squad announcement made too many headlines and raised a lot of eyebrows after some big names like Cole Palmer, Phil Foden, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Luke Shaw, Harry Maguire and many others were omitted from the main list.
England have had too many near-miss moments in recent years, coming agonisingly close to winning the Euros in recent editions and reaching the quarterfinals of the FIFA World Cup 2022. German gaffer Tuchel will be keen to end England’s long 60-year wait and bring back the FIFA World Cup trophy home.
Despite so many high-profile players left out, England still have a star-studded squad. In this article, we take a closer look at the predicted lineup of England ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
England predicted lineup (4-2-3-1)
GK- Jordan Pickford (Everton)
The man who single-handedly carried England to the Euro 2024 finals, Jordan Pickford, made some of the best saves. When the games went to the penalty shootouts, England could not have asked for someone better than Jordan Pickford between the sticks.
He is 32 and is coming after a decent season with Everton, registering 11 clean sheets in 37 games. He also holds the English record for the most tournament appearances by a goalkeeper.
RB – Reece James (Chelsea)
After a series of inconsistent seasons, Reece James was fit and played for Chelsea in 43 games in the 2025-26 season. Despite a tough season with the London Blues, the Chelsea captain had 6 goal contributions in 28 games in the English Premier League.
Tuchel absolutely adores the Chelsea captain from their time together at Stamford Bridge and will be hoping to clinch a podium finish at the World Cup. Other fullback options like Djed Spence of Tottenham and Livramento of Newcastle may still be young enough to get a start.
CB – John Stones (Manchester City)
The six-time Premier League champion is a proven match-winner. But his recent form with City has been underwhelming after failing to make consistent appearances for the team. Ezri Konsa of Villa will be his direct competitor.
Stones started every single game for England across both the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, scoring two goals against Panama in 2018. Given his experience and his ability to close tight games, makes him the most preferred for the centre back position.
CB – Marc Guehi (Manchester City)
This was his debut season at the Etihad. In a highly competitive Manchester City squad, he thrived, started almost every game for City and played a pivotal role in winning the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup. He marshalled one of the tightest City defences with an average of 0.9 goals conceded per game.
He rose to prominence in Euro 2024. Coach Tuchel handed him the captain’s armband in the senior friendly fixture against Japan at Wembley. He will be one of the most important players in England’s defence.
LB – Nico O’Reilly (Manchester City)
The Manchester City left back has been in sublime form this season, scoring 9 goals and giving 6 assists in 55 games so far. He earned key minutes under Guardiola and forced his way directly into Tuchel’s national team plans during the spring friendlies.
This will be his World Cup debut. He will face stiff competition from Newcastle United veteran Daniel Burn. But given his raw pace and acceleration, he may still be prioritised over Burn.
DM – Declan Rice (Arsenal)
In the Euro 2020 final against Italy, Rice put on a masterclass in the middle of the park and took the game to penalties against a strong Italy squad. Rice is coming after helping Arsenal win the historic English Premier League title after 22 years.
He started all 5 matches at the 2022 World Cup. Given his recent form with the Gunners, he is expected to start every game for England in the FIFA World Cup 2026. He has 14 goal contributions in 54 games for Arsenal this season.
DM – Kobbee Mainoo (Manchester United)
Many may argue that Anderson should have been prioritised over Mainoo in the defensive midfield role. But the Manchester United lad provides the structural press resistance England has historically lacked in midfield.
He has proven that when he was just 19 years old, and dominating the midfield against the Netherlands in the 2024 Euro semi-finals. This will be his debut World Cup tournament. Given his recent form after propelling the Red Devils to the UCL, he will be raring to go all guns blazing.
RM – Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)
England’s joint top scorer at the FIFA World Cup 2022, Bukayo Saka, is also coming after winning the Premier League title with Arsenal. He is also one shot away from winning the UEFA Champions League. He had 18 goal contributions in 48 games for the Gunners this season.
Saka is the premier right-winger in world football, and seeing him on the flanks is nothing less than a scary nightmare for full-backs. His ability to isolate full-backs and pull defenders wide creates maximum space for Bellingham upfront.
CAM – Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)
The Three Lions were on the verge of a big upset against Slovakia in the Euro 2024 Round of 16. But a bicycle kick goal from Bellingham in the dying seconds of the game saw England not only stay alive but also go on to lift the silver medal in the UEFA Euro 2024.
The Real Madrid midfielder is coming after 14 goal contributions in 48 games this season. He played all 5 games in 2022, scoring England’s opening goal of the tournament against Iran.
LM – Marcus Rashford (FC Barcelona (on loan))
A loan move from Manchester to Barcelona saw Rashford unleash his full potential and win the La Liga under Hansi Flick. This will be Rashford’s third World Cup appearance after scoring in both editions of the last two World Cups.
He had 25 goal contributions in 48 games for FC Barcelona and went on to win the La Liga and Supercopa de España in his maiden season at the Spanish top flight. His pure directness and terrifying raw vertical pace are set to make him dominate the left flank.
ST – Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)
Captain Harry Kane is England’s all-time highest goalscorer, and he is synonymous with winning the Golden Boot anywhere he plays. He is coming after winning the Bundesliga title with Bayern Munich. Kane went on to score a record-breaking 61 goals in 55 games for Vincent Kompany’s side.
He is unarguably one of the greatest strikers of all time. After a series of near misses, he will be hoping to put his hand on the coveted World Cup trophy on July 19 at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Who are some big names missing from England’s squad for the FIFA WC 26?
Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Lewis Hall, Levi Colwill, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Adam Wharton, Alex Scott, Morgan Gibbs-White, Phil Foden, Jarrod Bowen, Cole Palmer and Danny Welbeck.
Who is the current England head coach?
Thomas Tuchel.
Which group is England placed in at the FIFA WC?
Group L alongside Croatia, Panama and Ghana.
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In addition to writing articles on World and Indian Football, Saikat has also covered tournaments like the Durand Cup, Indian Super League, and Hockey India League. Notably, his exceptional communication skills have seen him interview legendary icons like Olympic 2024 gold medalist Yibbi Jansen, former Real Madrid player Javi Hernandez, and many more such sporting stalwarts.