Predicting Thomas Tuchel's England’s starting 11 for the 2026 World Cup

The Lee Carsley era as England manager has ended emphatically after the 'Three Lions' beat Greece 3-0 in Athens and secured a 5-0 victory over Ireland at Wembley to ensure their promotion to Group A of the Nations League.

The next time the team meets will be in March 2025, when the World Cup qualifiers start. This will be the first time England fans will get an idea of how new manager Thomas Tuchel wants to set up the team in preparation for 2026.

England has appointed world-class manager Tuchel for the 2026 World Cup, with one objective in sight – to win the World Cup in North America.

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Euro 2024 ended in heartbreak for England, losing to Spain in the final, 2-1. By the time the 2026 World Cup rolls around, it will have been 60 years without a trophy for England's men's team. Who are the players that can end that in two years?

Jordan Pickford is comfortably England's number one and deserves another chance at silverware for his consistent performances in goal for his country. He holds England goalkeeper records for most clean sheets (11) and most appearances at major tournaments.

With Kyle Walker turning 36 before the World Cup in 2026, Trent Alexander Arnold deserves to play in his best position at a major tournament for England after his failed experiment in midfield. The Liverpool defender is one of the best in his position in the world.

Having already played over 70 games and two World Cups, John Stones will be the senior man in the dressing room at the 2026 World Cup and could potentially be England's captain in America. He performed superbly at the 2024 Euros and will be the first defender on the plane in 2026.

Crystal Palace man Marc Guehi had a breakout tournament at Euro 2024 and was shining a light on an England team with several sub-par performers. He and Stones teamed up perfectly together, and with two years more experience, they will be a tough nut to crack.

Lewis Hall may be a shock to some, but with the injury problems of Luke Shaw, the Newcastle defender could be a great shout at the next World Cup. Hall played 18 times in the Premier League last season and will be 21 in 2026. He is quick and provides a great cross.

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Although he may only be 18, Kobbie Mainoo plays beyond his years in centre midfield, and in two years, he will be an even better midfielder for England than he is now. With more experience and time to grow into a man, England has a serious player on their hands.

In 2026, Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice will be 27 and entering the prime years of his career, and if his first season at Arsenal is anything to go off (7 goals, 8 assists), he will be one of the most dominant midfielders in the world. Fast, athletic, and good defensively, Rice has it all.

Playing a little bit further ahead than those two is Phil Foden. Playing on the wing didn't work at Euro 2024, and the new manager needs to focus on him playing centrally. Transfermarkt reports Foden scored 19 goals in 35 games for City last season, and England needs to find his best version in 2026.

Almost every game at Euro 2024, England fans cried for Cole Palmer to play, and when he did, his impact was huge, scoring in the final and setting up Ollie Watkins' goal in the semis. With 22 goals and 11 assists for Chelsea in the league last season, he's only getting better. He must play!

Having already notched 40 caps and played at three major tournaments, Give Me Sport reports, Bukayo Saka is one of England's deadliest weapons, showing his talent with his goal against Switzerland at Euro 2024. The Arsenal midfielder will be 24 at the World Cup and coming into his prime years.

Jude Bellingham has already played as a centre-forward for Real Madrid last season and scored 23 goals to help them win La Liga and the Champions League. His overhead kick goal against Slovakia and header against Serbia has proved he can play in that position for England. There is no starting position for Harry Kane in 2026.

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