Forecasting England’s 2026 World Cup roster: Which players will Thomas Tuchel select, and who is at risk of missing out?
The selection process has concluded. England’s men’s team has completed its final matches prior to Thomas Tuchel announcing his 26-player roster for the 2026 World Cup. The 1-1 tie against Uruguay and the 1-0 loss to Japan represented the last chances for contenders to make an impression on Tuchel. In summary, England did not meet expectations.
It resembled X-Factor’s Bootcamp during both matches — every player in the expanded 35-member squad was effectively informed that they were competing for a spot on the flight and needed to showcase their abilities to the coach. Tuchel divided the squad, resting 11 players before the initial match against Uruguay: Dean Henderson, Nico O’Reilly, Dan Burn, Marc Guéhi, Ezri Konsa, Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson, Morgan Rogers, Bukayo Saka, Anthony Gordon, and Harry Kane. Their places on the plane for the summer seem secure. However, there were still 15 additional spots available.
Tuchel deployed a revamped lineup for the encounter with Uruguay. The match was lackluster, ending in a 1-1 draw. Debutant James Garner stood out, as did Harry Maguire, while Ben White made a notable impression: Booed by England fans, he scored the opening goal and then conceded a questionable penalty leading to Uruguay’s equalizer.
After the match, Tuchel remarked that Maguire was a fifth-choice centre-back and also questioned Phil Foden’s lack of influence. One thing is clear: there is little ambiguity with Tuchel, and players are aware of their standing. Following that match, England released injured players Saka, Rice, John Stones, Adam Wharton, and Noni Madueke. Tuchel also sent Aaron Ramsdale, Fikayo Tomori, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin back to their clubs, diminishing their chances of making the squad.
England approached the game against Japan aiming to perform in front of a full house at Wembley. Kane withdrew late, prompting England to utilize Foden in the false 9 role. However, without Kane, they struggled offensively, resulting in a 1-0 defeat to Japan.
“In the absence of Harry Kane, we don’t have the same threat. Bayern Munich, without Harry Kane, does not have the same threat; no team in the world possesses that same threat. It’s simply normal,” Tuchel stated.
At the conclusion of the match, boos echoed around Wembley. It was far from the send-off they had anticipated.
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“I despise losing more than anyone else, and it will take time to process,” Tuchel added. “However, it will not significantly impact us now, as we prepare to arrive in the US. This camp will not define us, and we have two months to reflect, learn, identify our positions, and ensure players return to full health.”
<pThus, the chances to impress Tuchel directly have concluded. While some players have already secured their spots on the plane, others must perform well in their remaining Premier League and Champions League fixtures. However, as it stands, in the immediate aftermath of the draw with Uruguay and the defeat to Japan, this is the current assessment of the players' standings concerning the squad, identifying those on the fringes and those with even slimmer chances.
Goalkeepers (3)
ON THE PLANE
Jordan Pickford | 32 years old | Everton
England’s clear first-choice, as has been the case for the last four major tournaments. He has displayed impressive form for Everton this season — including a notable save against Sandro Tonali — and will provide significant experience in goal.
Dean Henderson | 29 years old | Crystal Palace
This is one of the few positions where the hierarchy is clearly defined. Henderson will travel to the World Cup as England’s second-choice goalkeeper, having made occasional starts when Pickford has been rested. He has been one of the few consistent elements during a turbulent season at Palace.
James Trafford | 23 years old | Manchester City
This will be a challenging decision for Tuchel. Aaron Ramsdale has taken the starting position from fellow contender Nick Pope at Newcastle, but he has typically been chosen as the third-choice keeper. Trafford joined City at the start of this season, aiming to become their new first-choice goalkeeper, but then Gianluigi Donnarumma arrived. Consequently, Trafford’s playing time has mainly been in the FA Cup and League Cup. It wasn’t part of his initial plan, but he has performed well whenever given the opportunity.
ON THE BUBBLE
Jason Steele | 35 years old | Brighton & Hove Albion
The veteran Steele is expected to assume the role of Tom Heaton — the fourth goalkeeper, remaining outside of the 26-man squad and available for training support. He is Brighton’s second-choice and has only made 35 Premier League appearances since joining the club in 2018.
Aaron Ramsdale | 27 years old | Newcastle United
Ramsdale is competing for the Newcastle starting position after a challenging few years, so he is no stranger to competition for places. Ramsdale was removed from the squad after the match against Uruguay without making an appearance, placing Trafford ahead of him in the pecking order.
Nick Pope | 33 years old | Newcastle United
Pope is also in contention for the third-choice goalkeeper role, but has not played for Newcastle since late February.
Centre-backs (5)
ON THE PLANE
Marc Guéhi | 25 years old | Manchester City
Guéhi transitioned from Palace to City in January and has integrated seamlessly into Pep Guardiola’s squad. Prior to that, he managed to navigate the disappointment of a failed transfer to Liverpool during the summer window, which impressed Tuchel. He hasn’t been a constant presence under Tuchel, but he is expected to be a starter come summer. He captained the team against Japan.
John Stones | 31 years old | Manchester City
Stones’ season has been hampered by injuries, with a troublesome thigh issue limiting his recent participation in the FA Cup. He has played in five major tournaments for England and will bring essential experience if he can prove his fitness. His injury prevented him from participating in England’s recent matches, so he needs to secure a run of games for City before the season concludes. If he achieves that, he remains a vital figure in the national squad and should travel this summer.
Ezri Konsa | 28 years old | Aston Villa
He has established himself as one of Tuchel’s preferred choices, having played a significant role throughout the World Cup qualification campaign. He was part of the squad that reached the Euro 2024 final and has performed well for Villa this season. He also offers versatility, being able to play both right-back and centre-back.
Dan Burn | 33 years old | Newcastle United
Burn had an unusual start under Tuchel. The manager FaceTimed him at 10 p.m., informing him he had made the squad back in March 2025, and then scolded him for still being awake. Since then, Tuchel has relied on him as part of the defensive rotation, and Burn is expected to be on the plane this summer. He provides an aerial threat, as well as composure at the back, and can also play left-back. He was among the 11 players rested for the Uruguay match.
Harry Maguire | 33 years old | Manchester United
Maguire’s two-year absence from the international scene ended when Tuchel included him in the latest squad. At that time, his last minutes for England had come under Carsley, and he had scarcely heard from Tuchel in the interim. However, a WhatsApp message arrived as he was preparing to travel to Bournemouth with United, marking the end of his wait. It was a well-deserved recall for Maguire, who has impressed this season and has been one of the few consistent performers amid the ups and downs at United. He performed well against Uruguay, but Tuchel later indicated he was the fifth-choice centre-back behind Guehi, Stones, Konsa, and Chalobah. He was utilized as a late substitute against Japan and made an immediate impact. He has represented England in both the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, as well as Euro 2020, but missed out on Euro 2024.
ON THE BUBBLE
Fikayo Tomori | 28 years old | AC Milan
The AC Milan defender has not played for England in three years but worked his way back into the squad for the last two matches. He started against Uruguay but was one of the players released before the Japan match. Currently on the periphery.
Jarell Quansah | 23 years old | Bayer Leverkusen
He was initially selected for this squad but was ruled out due to injury, which has negatively impacted his chances of making the final selection. He has performed well for Bayer Leverkusen this season and made his England debut against Albania in their last World Cup qualifier.
Trevoh Chalobah | 26 years old | Chelsea
He earned his sole England cap under Tuchel last year in a defeat to Senegal but has not played since. He was part of the squad at the end of 2025, but an ankle injury hindered his chances of being included in this latest camp. Tuchel mentioned him as being ahead of Maguire in the selection process, so he still has a chance of going to the World Cup, but he must impress before the season concludes.
Full-backs (4)
ON THE PLANE
Nico O’Reilly | 20 years old | Manchester City
This season has marked O’Reilly’s breakthrough at City, and his adaptability will be a valuable asset to Tuchel’s squad, as he can play both left-back and in midfield. His exceptional performance in the Carabao Cup final has further strengthened his case for a spot in the squad. He received his first call-up in October and has since earned three caps, including a start against Japan.
Reece James | 26 years old | Chelsea
James has faced injury challenges over the past couple of seasons, but appeared to be finding his rhythm for Chelsea this term, including signing a new long-term contract, until his latest hamstring injury halted his progress in mid-March. There is a significant caveat here, but if he is fit, he is expected to start at right-back for Tuchel. This would be his second major tournament for England, having missed the 2022 World Cup and Euro 2024 due to injury.
Tino Livramento | 23 years old | Newcastle United
He is capable of playing on both sides of defense and has been linked with a lucrative summer transfer, with several clubs reportedly interested in him following an impressive campaign in both the Champions League and Premier League for Newcastle. He made his England debut under Carsley and has added to that tally under Tuchel. He would have earned more caps had it not been for a knee injury that limited his appearances at the end of 2025.
Lewis Hall | 21 years old | Newcastle United
Hall’s profile has risen following his performance against Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal in the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 match. His Newcastle teammate Kieran Trippier has labeled him as one of the best left-backs globally, and this could be his breakout international tournament if selected. His two caps were earned under Lee Carsley, with Tuchel yet to give him an opportunity, and if he is to participate in the World Cup, he must surpass his Newcastle teammate Livramento for the left-back position.
ON THE BUBBLE
Trent Alexander-Arnold | 27 years old | Real Madrid
It has not been the easiest debut season for Alexander-Arnold in La Liga, with a hamstring injury and muscle tear in his left leg disrupting his progress at Real Madrid. However, he appears to have secured the right-back position for now. With England, he has had limited appearances under Tuchel, but his versatility will be beneficial, along with his extensive tournament experience, having played in two Euros and two World Cups for his country. Nevertheless, after being excluded from the recent squad, his chances of making the final cut seem limited.
Myles Lewis-Skelly | 19 years old | Arsenal
A year ago, he would have seemed a certainty for a World Cup spot. However, following his breakout 2024-25 season, his playing time at Arsenal has been restricted this year, and he has been left out of Tuchel’s last two squads.
Djed Spence | 25 years old | Tottenham Hotspur
If James is unavailable, then Spence is next in line. Spence can operate on both sides of defense and made his England debut back in September. He last played in October, but Tuchel appreciates versatility, and Spence can also fill in at midfield. Primarily, he will be competing with Livramento, O’Reilly, and Hall for the starting left-back position. In Spurs’ challenging season, Spence’s performance has been a rare highlight.
Luke Shaw | 30 years old | Manchester United
He has had his most consistent season for United in some time, and his total of just 34 caps in 12 years illustrates his unfortunate injury history. He has yet to feature under Tuchel.
Ben White | 28 years old | Arsenal
He departed the England squad midway through the 2022 World Cup amid speculation of a fallout with the coaching staff and had not been seen again until he was called up to the latest squad after Quansah withdrew. He made headlines against Uruguay after being booed upon entering the field, scoring the equalizer, and then conceding a controversial penalty late on. He then started against Japan, but every touch was met with boos from sections of England fans. His chances appear somewhat linked to James’ fitness. He remains an outside contender for the squad but has positioned himself in the conversation.
Centre midfielders (4)
ON THE PLANE
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