Jordan Pickford is the only option between the posts. He has been England’s undisputed number one for seven years and there is little risk of that changing next summer’s North American tournament.
Trent Alexander-Arnold is England’s best right-back and perhaps the best in his position in the world, but he has not been named in the squad as he continues to work his way back to fitness. Reece James is proving his worth with each passing week at Chelsea and should be valued above Jed Spence.
Marc Guehi and John Stones have solid foundations at Euro 2024 and, although there are injury concerns with the latter, they will play when fit. But Dan Byrne is doing everything he can to be a factor.
Nico O’Reilly is yet to play for England, but he has had a very good season at Manchester City and deserves to start over Spence.
England finally seem to have found the answer to their midfield problem. Elliott Anderson has recently joined Declan Rice in the middle of the pitch and they have worked seamlessly together.
Adam Wharton is an exceptional talent but has yet to feature under Tuchel, and Anderson now has the Three Lions manager’s trust.
There is little doubt that Bukayo Saka, Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham will feature in England’s best XI, even if the Real Madrid man is left out of Tuchel’s final squad.
A more interesting dilemma is the final position on the left wing. Despite Foden’s excellent return to form in recent weeks, pinning him to the left has proven ineffective.
Meanwhile, Rashford has played his part in one of the best and most exciting teams in European football. He is a reliable performer for his country and deserves more recognition than Anthony Gordon, who is also nursing an injury.
England’s best eleven: Pickford. James, Stones, Guehi, O’Reilly. Anderson, Rice, Bellingham. Saka, Kane, Rashford
