On the plane or the sofa? How England’s 2026 World Cup squad is shaping up

With the 2026 World Cup looming, Thomas Tuchel’s England camp has ended more in flux than in focus. Barely half of the 26 seats on the flight across the Atlantic feel secure, and several hopefuls may privately wish they had been spared the recent friendlies against Uruguay and Japan.

Jordan Pickford remains the undisputed No 1, with Dean Henderson pencilled in as deputy and James Trafford eyeing the third gloves. Ahead of them, Harry Kane’s centrality is non-negotiable; no natural striker has mounted a credible challenge. The midfield spine is clearer: Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson look certain to start, while Jude Bellingham’s grip on the No 10 role tightened as rivals faltered.

On the right, Bukayo Saka is without peer; on the left, Anthony Gordon and Marcus Rashford disappointed but lack serious competition. Marc Guéhi captained the side against Japan and is now the senior centre-back, yet the defensive picture clouds quickly. John Stones must prove fitness after another injury lay-off; Ezri Konsa was shaky against Japan but retains Tuchel’s trust. Harry Maguire, told he trails other centre-backs, still delivered a threat at set pieces, while Dan Burn lurks as an alternative. Reece James races the clock with a hamstring complaint, and no understudy has staked a decisive claim: Tino Livramento underwhelmed, Jarell Quansah withdrew injured, and Djed Spence’s raw speed is admired but not trusted like the absent Walker.

Full-back ambiguity persists. Nico O’Reilly enjoyed a fine club season yet remains developmental at left-back; Lewis Hall impressed in cameos but is not viewed as a starter. The Trent Alexander-Arnold debate refuses to die, yet Tuchel continues to bypass the Real Madrid right-back, favouring even the recalled Ben White, whose chaotic camp rekindled memories of Qatar 2022.

In midfield, Jordan Henderson’s Uruguay display was poor, yet his leadership keeps him in the conversation. Morgan Rogers carries credit from a strong 2025 finish; James Garner’s debut offered encouragement, while Adam Wharton’s quieter outing left his manager unmoved. Kobbie Mainoo’s pedestrian Japan shift may have cost him, and veterans Mason Mount, Curtis Jones and Conor Gallagher appear out of the running.

Among forwards, Cole Palmer flickered against Uruguay then vanished against Japan; Phil Foden’s false-nine experiment still looks awkward, yet weak competition could carry him in. Dominic Solanke’s persistence lacked end-product, while Ollie Watkins, absent this month, remains the proven Kane understudy from Euro 2024. Danny Welbeck, overlooked for the friendlies, may yet profit from others’ missteps. Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze, sidelined by injury, stay in Tuchel’s thinking, as does Arsenal prodigy Max Dowman, the 16-year-old wildcard who intrigues a coach who likes bold statements. Tottenham’s versatile Archie Gray and Bournemouth’s Alex Scott also harbour slim hopes.

The depth debate rages. Aaron Ramsdale, Nick Pope and Jason Steele wait on injuries; Jarrad Branthwaite’s fitness woes push him toward Euro 2028. Ivan Toney has not appeared since June, Dominic Calvert-Lewin appears judged, and Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s Milan revival has cooled in Tuchel’s eyes. Harvey Barnes needs attrition above him, and Liam Delap’s stalled club season offers little momentum.

Tuchel departs this camp with more riddles than resolutions. Roughly thirteen places remain fluid; reputations will rise or crumble in the final club months before the squad is sealed. For now, the plane is only half-full, and the sofa still beckons for a host of anxious hopefuls.