England’s next chance to bring glory to the world will come at the 2030 World Cup
England have a huge amount of talent in the coming years (Image: Nick Potts/PA Wire)
England’s chance to end 60 years of suffering was dashed at the 2026 World Cup. Although the Three Lions lost to Argentina in the semi-finals, it was their best performance in the tournament since 1966.
A thrilling 6-4 victory over France ensured Spain finished third, beating Lionel Messi and co in the final. All eyes now turn to Euro 2028 as Thomas Tuchel’s side look to seize their next chance of hosting the World Cup in 2030.
Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, who announced this summer would be their final World Cup appearance, will not be participating in the tournament, which is co-hosted by Spain, Portugal and Morocco. As Mirror Football looks to England’s starting XI for 2030, new stars may emerge over the next four years while current stars could lose momentum…
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james trafford
James Trafford is currently a substitute player for club and country (Image: FIFA via Getty Images)
Age is on James Trafford’s side, turning 27 in 2030. Current number one Jordan Pickford is 36 years old, but Trafford’s form at the club will be vital if he aims to dethrone the Everton icon.
Taking into account the presence of Gianluigi Donnarumma, Trafford are second to Manchester City. But by replacing the Italian in the coming years, or by leaving the Etihad Stadium, the talented goalkeeper could play week in and week out and prove he can be a star player for his country.
Tino Libramento
Newcastle star forced to miss World Cup due to injury (Image: Bradley Collyer/PA Wire)
Injuries may be the only factor affecting Tino Libramento’s chances of becoming England’s first-choice right-back. The Newcastle ace was left out of the World Cup squad through injury ahead of some confusion in his position, with Reece James also injured and Jarrell Quansah sent off against Mexico.
The 23-year-old is an all-round footballer as a full-back and provides incredible energy on both sides of the ball. Once he overcomes his injury problems, Libramento could find himself at home in the England right-back role for many years to come.
mark gehi
Marc Gehi impressed at the tournament (Image: 2026 FIFA)
The Manchester City defender enjoyed a good tournament and played an integral role in England’s progress to the semi-finals. The 26-year-old’s composure and intelligence are important to Tuchel’s team and he will undoubtedly continue to be a part of the team four years from now.
Aiden Heaven
Aiden Haven is yet to make his England debut (Image: (James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images))
The Manchester United centre-back made 18 appearances for the Red Devils last season, impressing despite being just 19 years old. The defender’s best qualities are his composure and his ability to carry the ball from the back.
John Stones is likely to play in his final World Cup, giving him the opportunity to assert himself in the discussions as England’s starter. Defenders in modern soccer are expected to control the tempo of games from deep, and Haven excels in that regard, so there’s a good chance he could become an important figure for his country within four years.
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lewis hall
Lewis Hall has become an essential player for Newcastle (Image: Getty Images)
The absence of Lewis Hall in Tuchel’s team came as a surprise to many, especially given the lack of a natural left-back in his squad. The 21-year-old’s crossing accuracy and playmaking ability have made him a key player for Newcastle’s Eddie Howe, making him one of the best full-backs in the country.
alex scott
Alex Scott could start in place of Declan Rice (Image: Getty)
Alex Scott remains without an England cap, but the Bournemouth midfielder attended a national team camp in preparation for the World Cup earlier this summer and was under serious consideration for the squad.
The 22-year-old differs from Declan Rice in his superior technical ability and ability to keep the ball in tight spaces. Arsenal’s talisman has endured a disappointing season, plagued by back injuries and illness.
His habit of remaining calm in the busiest areas of the pitch could be a quality Tuchel is targeting for 2030, so the Scot will be given further opportunities to impress the England squad.
Elliot Anderson
Elliott Anderson has been a fixture in Thomas Tuchel’s midfield (Image: NurPhoto, NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Manchester City’s £116m man has been a constant presence under Tuchel this summer. Elliott Anderson formed a strong midfield duo with Declan Rice in the 23-year-old’s first major tournament for England.
A move to Manchester could only be good news for England’s future, as he will have the opportunity to play in the Champions League alongside some of Europe’s best players and will only improve him on the pitch.
Max Dauman
Max Dauman is only 16 years old (Image: James Gill – Danehouse, Getty Images)
Arsenal wonder boy Max Doman, currently playing for England Under-19s, is already one of Europe’s brightest youngsters. He has already made 13 appearances for the Gunners and the experience and opportunities he will receive over the next few years under Mikel Arteta will undoubtedly set him on the path to becoming an important player for England.
Teammates Bukayo Saka and Noni Maduke shared the right-wing role in North America, but neither player made enough of an impression to warrant authority over the position. Saka’s recent injury problems and his move to the center of the pitch under Arteta could free up space for Dauman on the right.
jude bellingham
Jude Bellingham scored six goals in the World Cup (Image: AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)
Perhaps the most obvious player on this list, Jude Bellingham is already making waves as England’s best ever player and only turned 23 last month. The Real Madrid superstar will reach his prime in 2030 at the age of 27 and is likely to take over as captain in Harry Kane’s absence.
Midfielders are England’s present and future, providing them with the X-factor that every top team has with their best players.
Rio Ngmoja
Rio Ngmoja could call the left wing spot his own in 2030 (Image: getty)
The Liverpool starlet made his England debut in a pre-tournament friendly against New Zealand and won the Player of the Match award. There are no limits to the 17-year-old’s otherworldly talent, who is expected to have an increased role at the club this season under manager Andoni Iraola.
Anthony Gordon and Marcus Rashford have split the role this summer, and while the left-wing spot is not locked in place by any particular player, the former was favored in the knockout stages.
Ngumoha has a chance to stake his claim for the next decade or more, and is certainly eyeing 2030 for his chance to make his country’s tournament debut.
harry kane
Harry Kane will be 36 years old by the next World Cup (Image: Getty Images)
The England captain will turn 36 in 2030, but given that his game relies less on pace and athleticism, it’s possible the Bayern Munich striker could represent his country at a fourth and possibly final World Cup.
After the Three Lions’ defeat to Argentina, Kane did not rule out the possibility of playing within the next four years. “You know who I am as a person by now. I’m coming off the best season ever and I’m 32, almost 33.
“It’s impossible to say. Four years is obviously a long way off. Playing for England is my biggest ambition and the thing I’m most proud of. It’s the best feeling I’ve ever felt. Let’s see. As long as I’m performing, I’m going to represent England. That’s the reality.”
Candidates to start for England in the 2030 World Cup
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