With less than two months left until manager Thomas Tuchel selects his final England squad for this summer’s World Cup, chief football writer John Cross has provided his latest assessment of England players.
Nico O’Reilly has secured a place in England’s starting XI
Actually, there was a discussion a while ago.
Okay, that seems like a formality. Not only has Nico O’Reilly secured a place in England’s starting XI, he will go into the World Cup as one of the most exciting and in-form players in the squad.
If there were ever talks between O’Reilly and Newcastle’s Lewis Hall, there aren’t any now. Manchester City star O’Reilly has spent a significant portion of this season playing in midfield.
Currently, he seems to be playing in two positions, from left-back to full-back to midfielder and all over the pitch. He became City’s N’Golo Kante.
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He covers every blade of grass and looks sensational. He’s strong, he closes on players and gets forward. He dominates the game from full-back.
He was great against Arsenal. It’s strange how there are so many obvious candidates for Football Writers’ Association Player of the Year.
Arsenal’s Declan Rice and Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes have had great seasons and have deservedly earned a lot of praise. But winners ideally come from teams that win trophies, which is why it’s hard to figure out who City’s standout candidate is.
Erling Haaland scored many goals. Marc Guéhi and Antoine Semenyo have signed innovative contracts. Rayan Cherki is very interesting.
But O’Reilly should be right there. He scored big goals, played in big games and showed he deserves to be on the big stage.
There is less than two months left until England manager Thomas Tuchel has to select his final England squad for this summer’s World Cup, and there is intense competition for almost every position.
As the countdown to the 2026 tournament heats up, some of the Premier League and Europe’s top players are vying for the same spots, while others have until the end of the season to make up.
Here, Cross gives his latest verdict on the players he saw live during Manchester City’s 2-1 win over Arsenal on Sunday, and the team as a whole. You will have the opportunity to voice your opinion in the article below, so please join us.
This week’s England player ratings
man city v arsenal
Nico O’Reilly
Nico O’Reilly was instrumental in Manchester City’s Carabao Cup victory over Arsenal earlier this season (Image: ADRIAN DENNIS, AFP via Getty Images)
Match Rating: 8/10
Strong, determined, and powerful. He looked just dynamite, finding his way out of tight corners and winning the ball under pressure.
Current form: 9/10
He looks sensational. He is probably the best English player in the Premier League at the moment. Yes, that’s good.
England team rating: 9/10
He was glued to the team and beat Lewis Hall in the race to start at left back.
Mark Gehi:
Match Rating: 8/10
It was another cool performance, and he played with such calmness and composure that it calmed down the entire team.
Current form: 8/10
If City win the Treble, he will have played a huge role. He looks classy and can play with any partner.
England team rating: 9/10
A nail-biting starter. He is very calm and collected and is a reassuring presence at England’s back. Top quality.
phil foden
Match Rating: 5/10
He made another late cameo as Rayan Cherki. Unfortunately, as Cherki’s influence has grown, his minutes as a sub have diminished.
Current form: 5/10
You just don’t have time to shine. No one doubts his talent or qualifications, but it would take a major change in fortunes to get him into that position. I’m behind.
England team rating: 5/10
It could be a shootout between Foden and Cole Palmer for the third No.10 role…and Palmer is in the lead.
Do you agree with John Cross? Share your opinion on the England national team’s slider below, both internally and externally.
Declan Rice
Match Rating: 7/10
Without a doubt one of Arsenal’s best players at the Etihad. The rice covered every blade of grass. He gave his all and returned to his best, but was unable to lead Arsenal to a result.
Current form: 8/10
In wonderful form. And even when he wasn’t at his best against Sporting Lisbon, he pushed through and played. He was great even back then. The only worry is burnout. he gave everything.
England team rating: 9/10
He is firmly nailed down as a starter and England desperately need him to be fit, fresh and ready to stand a chance at the World Cup.
Eberechi Eze
Match Rating: 7/10
This is why he stood out. Although he played on the left of midfield rather than on the left wing, he did a good job and also linked up well with Martin Odegaard. He sacrificed himself for the team and also showed that he is versatile, able to play in different roles.
Current form: 8/10
Arsenal need him for his drive, quality and game intelligence. Here’s the problem – he’s been in and out of teams. Did Arsenal really need him last summer? Probably not. But through his determination, he has proven that they do now.
England team rating: 7/10
His opportunities have expanded. Gifted, he is versatile and can play a variety of roles, which may actually give him an edge over some of his rivals. It’s coming fast.
Noni Maduke
Noni Madueke didn’t have the best weekend (Image: (Mike Hewitt/Getty Images))
Match Rating: 5/10
I was hooked at halftime. I didn’t play well. I’m not feeling well and I’m not making things happen. He also doesn’t offer as much defensive coverage as Gabriel Martinelli.
Current form: 5/10
It was very soaked. He looks like a player who is struggling while his team is struggling. He’s been slipping and has to get back on track quickly. Bukayo Saka is obviously ahead, but Jarrod Bowen has usurped him.
England team rating: 6/10
His condition deteriorated and he fell to third place in the two-horse race.
ben white
Match Rating: 6/10
Perhaps Arsenal’s decision to use Cristian Mosquera as a temporary right-back rather than a natural right-back is an indictment of White’s position. why? Because White is separated from Boyle and Mosquera is the better defender.
Current form: 5/10
Arsenal needed him in Julian Timber’s absence, but they haven’t really seized the opportunity yet. White is a good player, but he has actually continued to develop after the injury layoff and has yet to rediscover his best form.
England team rating: 5/10
An impossible scream. He thought he had taken his chances in the last two Wembley friendlies, but he actually slipped back.
England player ratings – Likelihood of getting on a plane
goalkeeper
Jordan Pickford 10 Dean Henderson 9 James Trafford 8 Aaron Ramsdale 6 Jason Steele 6
defender
Mark Gehi 9 Ezri Konsa 9 John Stones 8 Dan Byrne 7 Trevor Chalobah 6 Harry Maguire 6 Jarel Quansah 6 Fikayo Tomori 4
right full back
Reece James 8 Tino Libramento 8 Ben White 5 Left-back Nico O’Reilly 9 Lewis Hall 8 Jed Spence 6
midfielder
Declan Rice 9 Elliot Anderson 9 Jordan Henderson 7 Koby Mainu 7 James Garner 7 Adam Wharton 6 Alex Scott 6
No10s
Morgan Rogers 9 Jude Bellingham 9 Eberechi Eze 7 Cole Palmer 6 Phil Foden 5
right wing
Bukayo Saka 8 Jarrod Bowen 8 Noni Maduke 6
left wing
Marcus Rashford 8 Anthony Gordon 8
strikers
Harry Kane 10 Ollie Watkins 7 Dominic Calvert-Lewin 6 Dominic Solanke 6 Danny Welbeck 6
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England’s 2026 World Cup kit
Various prices
england official store
Buy now from England’s official store
England and Nike have launched new home, away and goalkeeper kits to be worn at this summer’s FIFA World Cup. Use code: ENGFREEDEL to get free shipping on all orders.
