Who could be in England’s starting XI for the 2026 World Cup?
With the opening game of the World Cup under five months away, debate around England’s starting XI is already heating up.
Thomas Tuchel will definitely be looking to find his best combination, but with standout performers across the Premier League and Europe, picking an XI may be his toughest challenge yet.
In this article, Sports News Blitz’s Charlotte Allsop predicts who Tuchel could field in the 2026 World Cup.
Goalkeeper: Jordan Pickford
One of the first names on Tuchel’s team sheet will undoubtedly be Jordan Pickford.
England’s number one has become one of the most reliable and consistent figures for the team since 2018, when he established himself as the country’s first-choice keeper.
The 31-year-old has 81 senior caps for England since making his debut back in 2017, producing many match-winning saves and penalty shootout heroics along the way.
He’s never let England down before, so he will be a vital part of England’s potential success at the World Cup.
Right-back: Reece James
The right-back position is one of England’s more uncertain positions, with multiple candidates competing for the place.
Chelsea’s Reece James should be the frontrunner due to his attacking and defensive qualities. However, his injury record makes him potentially an unreliable option.
The 26-year-old played under Tuchel in his Champions League-winning side, meaning the manager will already be familiar with his ability and how to utilise him effectively.
Centre-back: John Stones
There are a few options for Thomas Tuchel at centre-back, but John Stones’ tournament experience could give him the edge.
With 87 caps for his country since 2014, the Man City defender has cemented himself as a key figure for the Three Lions.
His leadership, quality and experience could play a vital role in England’s World Cup campaign.
However, his injury record could be an issue, with the 31-year-old currently out with a thigh problem since the start of December.
If he can remain fit, Stones could be one of Tuchel’s starting centre-backs come June.
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Centre-back: Marc Guehi
Since making his debut in March 2022, Marc Guehi has made 26 senior caps for England and become a regular in the squad in recent years.
Despite the defence being tough to predict, the Crystal Palace captain is a front-runner for a place in the starting lineup.
After playing every game but one at the Euros in 2024, Guehi has proven that he can be trusted on the biggest stage and established himself as a consistent performer for his country.
Left-back: Lewis Hall
Despite only having two senior international caps for England, Lewis Hall should, without a doubt, be England’s starting left-back at the World Cup.
The 21-year-old has gone from strength to strength for Newcastle United this season, putting in man-of-the-match performances in most games.
His ability going forward, combined with his defensive capabilities, makes Hall a well-rounded option for England and a definite starter.
Central midfielder: Declan Rice
Declan Rice has cemented himself as one of England’s most reliable players since his debut in 2019, and even captained his country twice in the absence of Harry Kane.
The Arsenal midfielder has 72 senior caps for England under his name and has become a consistent starter and leader amongst the group.
Rice has featured in all 10 games under Tuchel, so you could even go as far as to say he is an undroppable figure.
Central midfielder: Elliot Anderson
Despite only making his senior England debut in September 2025, Elliot Anderson has looked like a crucial member of this England side.
The Nottingham Forest midfielder has started five out of his six games for England, and performed excellently in all, making him a strong contender for the World Cup starting XI.
Attacking midfielder: Jude Bellingham
Jude Bellingham has been an integral part of the England national team, having 46 senior caps to his name since his debut in November 2020.
He’s played in England’s last two major tournaments and been a key player in both, scoring key goals and providing important assists.
Bellingham has five goals and four assists in all competitions this season for Real Madrid, and England will be hoping that he can carry his form into the World Cup.
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Right wing: Bukayo Saka
There are a few contenders for the right-wing spot at the World Cup, but Bukayo Saka is likely to get the nod.
Since debuting for England in October 2020, Saka has won England’s Men’s Player of the Year in 2022 and earned 48 senior caps.
He has become a vital part of the attack for the Three Lions, scoring 14 goals so far in his senior international career.
The only thing that could hinder the Arsenal winger’s chances is his injury record. If he can stay fit and have regular playing time, he’ll likely be starting at the World Cup.
Left wing: Morgan Rogers
Morgan Rogers has been one of the standout players in the Premier League this season for Aston Villa, contributing eight goals and six assists in all competitions.
Along with Declan Rice, Rogers is the only other player to feature in all 10 games under Tuchel, making him a favourite for a starting place in the upcoming World Cup.
If he can maintain his current form, the 23-year-old could become a key player for England in the upcoming World Cup.
Striker: Harry Kane
There is no question of who will be England’s starting striker at the World Cup: Harry Kane.
With 112 caps to his name, the captain is England’s fifth most-capped player, and his 78 goals have made him England’s all-time leading goalscorer.
The 32-year-old is currently in top form for Bayern Munich, scoring 20 goals in 17 appearances this season in the Bundesliga.
It’s safe to say that Kane will be a crucial part of England’s hopes of success at the World Cup, with his goal-scoring record and his leadership being key.
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