Thomas Tuchel has done what Gareth Southgate never would. Trent Alexander-Arnold, the most technically gifted right-back in English football, is not going to the World Cup. Phil Foden is not going. Cole Palmer is not going. Harry Maguire, who played in every minute of England's two European Championship finals, is not going — and when he found out he vented his frustration publicly, prompting Tuchel to say he was 'a bit surprised' given he had already called Maguire personally. The squad Tuchel has named is ruthless, form-based and in some areas shocking. It is also, potentially, very good. Harry Kane is about to appear at his third World Cup having scored 36 league goals this season. Jude Bellingham fought through a shoulder operation and a hamstring tear to be here. Marcus Rashford, excluded entirely from Euro 2024, scored in an El Clasico at Camp Nou to win La Liga and is back. This is the most interesting England squad in a generation.
A Perfect Qualifying Campaign Under Tuchel
England's World Cup 2026 qualifying campaign was immaculate. Drawn into UEFA Group K, they won all eight matches without conceding a single goal — the first European team in history to post a perfect clean-sheet qualification record. They scored 22 goals across the eight games. The campaign spanned Thomas Tuchel's arrival as England's first non-English manager since Fabio Capello, replacing Gareth Southgate in January 2025.
The context behind the appointment matters. England had reached two consecutive European Championship finals under Southgate, losing Euro 2020 on penalties to Italy and losing Euro 2024 2-1 to Spain in Berlin. Two finals, two losses. The squad had the talent. The football, too often, did not match it. Tuchel was brought in to change the style and the mentality simultaneously. The qualifying campaign — eight wins, zero goals conceded, 70 percent possession in every single game — was his answer to the sceptics.
Key Players to Watch
England World Cup 2026 Full Squad
Jordan Pickford makes his third World Cup as England's number one, the most experienced member of the goalkeeping unit. Dean Henderson of Crystal Palace provides proven Premier League cover. James Trafford of Manchester City is the long-term succession plan — at 23, this is his first senior tournament experience.
The defence has been rebuilt around a new generation of centre-backs. Marc Guéhi signed for Manchester City from Crystal Palace in January 2026 for £20 million after captaining Palace to FA Cup glory. Ezri Konsa continues from Aston Villa. Jarell Quansah made a £30 million move from Liverpool to Bayer Leverkusen in July 2025 and earned his first senior England call-up with a strong Bundesliga season. John Stones and Dan Burn of Newcastle provide experience alongside the younger options. At right-back, Reece James returns from injury issues at Chelsea, with Tino Livramento and Djed Spence providing cover. Nico O'Reilly is the squad's most exciting new face — the 21-year-old Manchester City academy product made his England debut against Serbia and immediately impressed, setting up Saka's opener while playing the full 90 minutes.
The midfield is built around Rice and Bellingham. Behind them, Kobbie Mainoo at 20 enters his second full senior season with Manchester United and is already trusted at international level. Jordan Henderson, 35, makes his fourth World Cup — only the second England man to achieve that alongside Bobby Charlton — partnering Rice in deeper roles. Elliot Anderson of Nottingham Forest brings energy and intensity. Morgan Rogers of Aston Villa and Eberechi Eze, who joined Arsenal this season, provide creative options from wide and central positions.
Arsenal have four players in the attack: Saka, Rice, Eze and Noni Madueke. Madueke joined Arsenal from Chelsea for £48 million in July 2025 and scored 11 goals last season. Harry Kane leads the line with Ivan Toney providing a different physical option — Toney scored 32 goals in 32 Saudi Pro League appearances this season, finishing above Cristiano Ronaldo in the scoring charts. Ollie Watkins continues his excellent international form from Aston Villa. Marcus Rashford and Anthony Gordon of Newcastle complete the attacking options. Rashford's inclusion is the most emotional story in the squad.
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Group L — England vs Croatia, Ghana and Panama
England are in Group L and face three opponents they will be heavy favourites against. The opening fixture is against Croatia on 17 June at AT&T Stadium in Dallas — a rematch of the 2018 World Cup semi-final, which Croatia won 2-1 to eliminate England. The memory of that night in Moscow will be present. Ghana follow on 23 June at Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts. Panama are the final group game on 27 June at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Tuchel will expect nine points and a place in the round of 32. The true test of this England side — and of Tuchel's ability to take them further than Southgate managed — begins once the group stage is over. England have not won a World Cup since 1966. The squad assembled here is good enough to go very deep into the knockout rounds. Whether it is good enough to go all the way is what the tournament will answer.
Group L teams:
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One to Watch — Harry Kane
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