Jack Grealish and Jude Bellingham have been left out of England’s squad for October’s international tournament. (Image: Getty)
England qualified for the 2026 World Cup with two games in hand with a 5-0 win over Latvia in Riga last night. Harry Kane’s brace, along with goals from Anthony Gordon, Maximus Tonisefs (OG) and Eberechi Eze, gave the Three Lions a perfect record with six wins and no conceded in six games, securing an early spot in next summer’s tournament.
The next World Cup, to be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico, will feature a 48-team format for the first time, meaning England will need a talented and deep squad if Thomas Tuchel is to realize his only ambition as manager – to become the first manager since Sir Alf Ramsey to win a World Cup. Express Sport’s writers have selected the players who will cross the Atlantic at the moment…
archie griggs
Nick Pope will replace James Trafford as he needs to play for the club every week to get into the England squad. Trent Alexander-Arnold should feature if he is fit enough, as should Reece James. Miles Lewis-Skelly would also be eligible to get on the plane if he can fight his way back into the Arsenal side. Phil Foden faces a battle for a spot in the squad, but he remains one of England’s best players at the moment. His exclusion would definitely raise some eyebrows. There is no room for Jordan Henderson on this occasion. Elliott Anderson is a player of the future and should get his first taste of World Cup football this summer. Up front, the selection of a rejuvenated Marcus Rashford will largely depend on his form at Barcelona. If he continues to fire on all cylinders, he could become a real threat for the Three Lions.
Goalkeeper: Pickford, Henderson, Pope
Defenders: Byrne, Guehi, Konsa, Quansah, Lewis-Skelly, Alexander-Arnold, Stones, James, Shaw.
Midfielders: Anderson, Bellingham, Rice, Wharton, Rodgers, Foden.
Forwards: Gordon, Bowen, Rashford, Palmer, Eze, Saka, Kane, Watkins
Elliott Anderson is expected to represent England at the World Cup (Image: Getty)
Charlie Mallam
A fit Jarrad Branthwaite is a great fourth option behind John Stones, Mark Guehi and Ezri Konsa. Tino Libramento and Miles Lewis-Skelly will compete for the starting left-back spot. That’s no disrespect to Jed Spence at all. I really like Libramento because he can play on both sides. Adam Wharton set to start for England at the World Cup – finished. Wharton and Declan Rice are an elite midfield pairing, especially if Elliott Anderson can replace Wharton if needed. Curtis Jones is also a valuable depth option, as is Jordan Henderson. Morgan Rodgers’ absence is bad, but the number 10 and left wing areas are very well-stocked, which is why Jack Grealish will also be absent. Jarrod Bowen is on the other side as well, but Noni Madueke’s excellent pace will be a great addition to Saka off the bench when he tires.
Goalkeeper: Pickford, Henderson, Trafford
Defender: Alexander-Arnold, James, Stones, Guehi, Konsa, Branthwaite, Librament, Lewis-Skelly.
Midfielders: Rice, Wharton, Bellingham, Palmer, Jones, Anderson, Henderson.
Forwards: Kane, Saka, Rashford, Foden, Maduke, Eze, Gordon, Watkins
Morgan Rogers faces a battle for a spot on the plane (Image: Getty)
kieran king
James Trafford is a candidate to replace Nick Pope because I still feel he is the successor to Jordan Pickford even though he retires from international football. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Reece James are England’s best two right-backs, while Myles Lewis-Skelly and Luke Shaw should compete for the same role on the left. The center of defense is England’s weakest area, but Mark Guehi and either John Stones or Ezri Konsa should be first choice. Elliott Anderson, Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice should be the three starting midfielders at the World Cup, with Adam Wharton, Morgan Rodgers and Ebereshi Eze being competitive in that area. Jack Grealish and Noni Madueke will be added to the stacked forward department, while Jarrod Bowen is among the absent as he has never worn an England shirt. Ollie Watkins will be second fiddle in the United States after Harry Kane.
Goalkeeper: Pickford, Henderson, Trafford
Defenders: Byrne, Guehi, Konsa, Quansah, Lewis-Skelly, Alexander-Arnold, Stones, James, Shaw.
Midfielders: Anderson, Bellingham, Rice, Wharton, Rodgers, Eze.
Forwards: Gordon, Grealish, Maduke, Rashford, Palmer, Saka, Kane, Watkins
Trent Alexander-Arnold wants involvement in US, Canada, Mexico (Image: Getty)
amos murphy
Thomas Tuchel’s approach since taking over as manager has been clear: to build a club mentality at international level. That includes flipping the apple cart, and he’s already shown he’s not afraid to make big decisions involving celebrities. Although surprising, it is not inconceivable that Tuchel would choose to leave Jude Bellingham out of the squad completely. There seems to be something wrong between these two, and the Real Madrid star could be the star of the autumn. Otherwise, there aren’t too many surprises as Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jack Grealish are just sneaking back into the set-up.
Goalkeeper: Pickford, Trafford, Henderson
Defender: Guehi, Stones, Konsa, Byrne, James, Librament, Alexander-Arnold, Spence.
Midfielders: Rice, Anderson, Rodgers, Foden, Palmer, Henderson, Wharton.
Forwards: Kane, Watkins, Saka, Eze, Gordon, Maduke, Rashford, Grealish
Manager Thomas Tuchel will be forced to let go of several big names next summer (Image: Getty)
aaron morris
Jordan Pickford is certain to be England’s No. 1 next summer unless there is a dramatic change over Nick Pope or Dean Henderson. Trent Alexander-Arnold, Reece James and Tino Livramento will qualify if they stay fit, while Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw will qualify based on their ability. John Stones remains Mr. Reliable. Jordan Henderson will be 36 when the World Cup kicks off, but he proved he still has legs for Brentford this season. Morgan Rogers has had a terrible start to the season, but I believe he can do well with a little more time. So far, both Harry Kane and Ollie Watkins have shown a desire to find the back of the net and will be part of Tuchel’s team next summer. Jack Grealish and Marcus Rashford have also been selected based on their performances during their respective loan spells, and each have had impressive performances.
Goalkeeper: Pickford, Pope, Henderson
Defenders: Guehi, Stones, Byrne, Maguire, Alexander-Arnold, James, Lewis-Skelly, Libramento, Shaw.
Midfielders: Rice, Bellingham, Anderson, Foden, Henderson, Rodgers.
Forwards: Kane, Watkins, Saka, Palmer, Gordon, Rashford, Grealish, Bowen
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