England World Cup 2026 squad prediction: Who makes Thomas Tuchel's 26?

From becoming the first UEFA nation to qualify for the World Cup 2026 tournament, to suffering their first-ever senior men's defeat to an Asian nation, the past six months have been a whirlwind of emotions for Thomas Tuchel.

The England manager's team were unbreakable during the preliminary process, but following an uninspiring 1-1 draw with Uruguay and dismal 1-0 defeat to Japan, the same old questions are being asked once again.

Tuchel's peculiar experiments during the March international break did not work out as intended, and said players have done themselves little favours in their efforts to secure a covered seat on the plane.

Here, Sports Mole predicts which players will make England's World Cup 2026 squad, position-by-position.

England World Cup 2026 squad prediction: Goalkeepers

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Barring some disastrous injury, confidence crisis or unforeseen drop-off in form, established number one Jordan Pickford will be the first name on the plane to North America, where the Everton shot-stopper should don the gloves throughout the World Cup.

High-quality backups for the former Sunderland man are not in short supply, and Crystal Palace's Dean Henderson is the obvious next pick; whether the 29-year-old can mount a challenge for the number one shirt is another question entirely, though.

Manchester City's James Trafford, Brighton & Hove Albion's Jason Steele and Newcastle United's Aaron Ramsdale were also named in the March selection, but the latter subsequently withdrew for unexplained reasons, pouring doubt on his World Cup involvement.

The ex-Arsenal man is at least enjoying regular starts over Nick Pope, which is more than can be said for Trafford or Steele, but the Man City representative's tournament-winning experience at Under-21s level could prove to be a crucial factor.

England goalkeepers for World Cup 2026: Jordan Pickford, Dean Henderson, James Trafford

England World Cup 2026 squad prediction: Defenders

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Gone are the days when Trent Alexander-Arnold and Kyle Walker would be battling for Premier League and national team supremacy; the former cannot even get a look-in under Tuchel, while Walker has hung up his international boots.

However, Chelsea's Reece James - when he is not in the care of the physios - and Newcastle United's Tino Livramento are extremely competent alternatives, and there is a very real chance that Alexander-Arnold will be watching on from home.

Ben White's England renaissance has been met with mixed reviews, but as the Arsenal man should play second fiddle to Jurrien Timber for the rest of the season, his World Cup chances are slim.

Instead, stalwart Harry Maguire, recent captain Marc Guehi, Aston Villa regular Ezri Konsa and the well-versed John Stones should make up England's central ranks, as Dan Burn and Trevoh Chalobah are also left behind.

Speaking of left, a fascinating wide battle between Nico O'Reilly and Lewis Hall is emerging, a battle that both should continue to engage in across the Atlantic.

England defenders for World Cup 2026: Harry Maguire, Marc Guehi, Ezri Konsa, John Stones, Reece James, Nico O'Reilly, Tino Livramento, Lewis Hall

England World Cup 2026 squad prediction: Midfielders

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The Kobbie Mainoo-Elliot Anderson partnership did not work out as intended against Japan, but the latter should have the relentless running machine Declan Rice back alongside him when World Cup action gets underway.

The midfield crop will also boast likely the most unpopular choice - unless White makes the cut - as Tuchel is insistent on having Jordan Henderson in the group and is expected to call up the Brentford man, who turns 36 on the day of England's opener against Croatia; June 17.

James Garner was a shining light on his England debut in March, and the Everton man will no doubt threaten Adam Wharton's place on the plane, but that is a head-to-head the Crystal Palace man should just edge.

Jude Bellingham, Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers ought to comprise England's attack-minded midfield options, to the dismay of Curtis Jones, Conor Gallagher and Morgan Gibbs-White.

England midfielders for World Cup 2026: Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, Elliot Anderson, Jordan Henderson, Cole Palmer, Kobbie Mainoo, Adam Wharton, Morgan Rogers

England World Cup 2026 squad prediction: Attackers

© Imago / Paul Marriott

No Kane meant no party for England against Japan, as the Bayern Munich talisman sat out the friendly loss with a minor injury, but there is no concern - yet - about a catastrophic World Cup omission for the Three Lions' record scorer.

Instead, more doubt lingers over who will serve as Kane's striking deputy, a role that Dominic Solanke, Ivan Toney, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Ollie Watkins are all vying to fill with varying degrees of success.

Toney has had the most successful domestic season by far - netting 25 goals in as many Saudi Pro League games for Al-Ahli - but the 30-year-old has not been called up since June and is ostensibly not on Tuchel's radar.

As a result, Watkins should be the top pick to shadow Kane, who is expected to be flanked by Arsenal's Bukayo Saka and Newcastle's Anthony Gordon - fitness-permitting - in a first-choice XI.

However, Saka may be the only Arsenal attacking representative, as Eberechi Eze's serious calf injury will impact his preparation time, while Noni Madueke has been hit-and-miss all season, so a consistent goal threat in Jarrod Bowen will likely be preferred.

Marcus Rashford's Barcelona revival is likely to win him a ticket too, while Phil Foden should not be left behind either, in spite of the Japan false nine experiment that would be best not replicated.

England attackers for World Cup 2026: Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, Anthony Gordon, Marcus Rashford, Phil Foden, Jarrod Bowen, Ollie Watkins