Manager Thomas Tuchel still has a chance to lead England to their biggest ever World Cup on foreign soil.
Despite the disappointment and frustration of surrendering to Argentina, it was only England’s fourth semi-final. They lifted the trophy in 1966, but lost in a tear to Turin in 1990 and again to Croatia in the 2018 World Cup.
The third-place play-off was a match no one wanted, with England losing to Italy in 1990 and Belgium eight years ago.
Now, even if they beat France and finished third in the tournament (which is by no means easy), it would still be seen as an even more overwhelming success by the powers that be at the Football Association.
And beyond that, England have a match that could be called their home Euro in 2028, when manager Tuchel is expected to play an active role. After consecutive defeats in Euro finals under Gareth Southgate, Tuchel was appointed to help England get over the line and become eventual winners.
Despite missing out on a place in the World Cup finals, Tuchel spoke about how much it would mean to him to manage England at the Euros as he signed a new two-year contract extension.
That’s why Tuchel will be keeping an eye on the next generation ahead of Euro 2028, particularly who can break into his next England squad.
This World Cup has been very complicated for Jordan Pickford thanks to his heroics against Mexico, but the England keeper has also been questioned over Enzo Fernandes’ equalizer against Argentina, his erratic display against Croatia and some nervy kicks.
It feels like Pickford could be under serious pressure for the first time since becoming number one ahead of the 2018 World Cup.
Jordan Pickford’s position could be under threat in the future
That should come as Manchester City’s James Trafford realized during this tournament that he needed to be number one somewhere to realistically challenge Pickford, his ultimate goal.
Trafford has long been seen as the natural long-term successor as the No. 1 keeper in free agency, but things have not worked out since his move to City last summer. His arrival was quickly followed by Gianluigi Donnarumma. This could be a huge opportunity for Trafford if he can feature regularly in Premier League games.
Right-back Reece James is a favorite of Tuchel’s, but his injury history has opened the door. Trent Alexander-Arnold is not good, but Ben White and Tino Livramento are doing well.
Marc Gehi has established himself in central defence, and competition is actually heating up on the wings. If Miles Lewis-Skelly continues his progress, there is no doubt that he will be back in the squad sooner rather than later after a fantastic season.
Arsenal’s teenage prodigy Max Dauman is a real player to watch as he can play as a number 10, not only deep in midfield but also wide on the right.
Dauman was in New York during the World Cup filming for Adidas and could be starring on the pitch rather than off it next time. Dowman is destined for the top, but he is only 16 and will probably not start for England until the next World Cup.
The same goes for Alex Scott. That’s because the Bournemouth midfielder definitely has a huge chance to continue his development after being called up to England’s training group in Florida ahead of the World Cup.
Rio Ngmoja could become a key part of England’s attack by 2028
Another player is Liverpool winger Rio Ngmoja, who has also been called up to pre-camp in Florida and whose future looks incredibly bright. Ngmoha is an excellent attacking force from the left flank and we got a glimpse of his potential in the friendly against New Zealand.
However, this World Cup has been a success for Anthony Gordon, so they must balance Ngmoha’s attacking mentality with Gordon’s defensive responsibilities.
Either way, there’s real strength and quality there. And that can’t be said about the centre-forward position.
The harsh reality is that no one is ready to take over from Harry Kane. He turns 33 at the end of this month and will be 36 at the next World Cup, but at 34 he won’t even make it to the Euros.
There’s just no one there. Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney, both 30 years old, have barely caught the eye this time around, while Dom Solanke, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Liam Delap haven’t quite caught on.
Eddie Nketiah once had great expectations, but he never really made it. England have such problems that Tuchel has pointed out that Phil Foden and Cole Palmer can play a false nine. Neither were added to this team.
England have a lot of talent, but they can’t really play up front.
How can England qualify for Euro 2028?
England’s possible Euro 2028 Xi appointment: James Trafford. Tino Libramento, Mark Gehi, Levi Colwill, Miles Lewis-Skelly. Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson. Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham, Rio Ngmoha. Harry Kane.
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