England World Cup 2026 Squad Review: Harry Kane’s leads the line again as Thomas Tuchel's side aim to end 60 years of hurt
James Hilsum
England prepare for the World Cup 2026 having left behind some big-name players, as Thomas Tuchel pulls no punches in pursuit of a first major men's trophy in 60 years. Here's how the Three Lions are preparing for this summer's global showpiece...
England's World Cup 2026 Squad at a Glance
The Three Lions are about to embark on their 17th appearance at a World Cup finals, eager to erase their tag as one of football's biggest underachievers. Harry Kane captains the side for a record-equalling third time, matching Billy Wright's feat after leading the squad in 1950, 1954 and 1958 respectively. Tuchel has plenty of experience at his disposal, with Jordan Pickford, John Stones and Marcus Rashford all appearing at their third finals, while Jordan Henderson equals Sir Bobby Charlton's record after being called up to his fourth. There are also three members of the squad which won last summer's Under-21 European championships, with Elliot Anderson, Jarell Quansah and Tino Livramento getting the nod.
Notable Absentees from England's World Cup 2026 Squad
This England squad is arguably more notable for the players left at home, rather than those who have flown out to North America. A host of big names were excluded, including Phil Foden and Cole Palmer after underwhelming seasons at club level, while defensive stalwart Harry Maguire expressed his frustration on social media after failing to make the cut. Real Madrid defender Trent Alexander-Arnold was another big-name omission, alongside Lewis Hall, Luke Shaw, Adam Wharton, Jarrod Bowen and Morgan Gibbs-White. What’s more, this is the first time since 1986 that no Liverpool players have been named in an England squad for a major tournament.
England's World Cup 2026 Goalkeepers
Pickford is the unquestionable number-one choice in between the sticks for England, and featured in all 38 of Everton's Premier League games last season. He is supported by Crystal Palace's Dean Henderson, who enjoyed another trophy-winning campaign at club level after winning the UEFA Conference League. Manchester City's James Trafford also makes the grade as the likely third choice shot-stopper, despite largely playing second fiddle to Gianluigi Donnarumma at the Etihad.
England's World Cup 2026 Defenders
The Three Lions' first-choice backline is largely set, with Reece James and Nico O'Reilly set to be the two full-backs, with John Stones and Marc Guehi as the two central defenders. Tottenham Hotspur defender Djed Spence was eye-catching call for one of the back-up full-back options, as was Livramento, after both struggled with injuries recently. Tuchel will be sweating on Stones' fitness in particular, and a lack of experience in defence overall is a cause for concern.
England's World Cup 2026 Midfielders
Declan Rice and Anderson will probably be Tuchel's first choice pairing in central midfield, and the German has an embarrassment of riches in this department with his ability to also call upon Jude Bellingham, Henderson and Kobbie Mainoo here too. Eberechi Eze and Morgan Rogers can provide that x-factor, with both equally adept at playing out wide or in that number 10 role.
England's World Cup 2026 Forwards
It almost goes without saying that Kane will be the main focal point of this England team, and only enhanced his reputation as one of the planet's best goalscorers after scoring an astonishing 61 goals last season at club level for Bayern Munich. Ivan Toney's call-up was a huge surprise, given his last selection was back in June 2025. He is the like-for-like stand-in for Kane, while Ollie Watkins has hit form at just the right time for Aston Villa coming into the finals. Tuchel will have some concerns about Bukayo Saka though, and will have to manage his minutes carefully due to an Achilles problem.
More World Cup 2026 squad reviews by LiveScore
