England’s 2026 World Cup Squad Predictions: Tuchel’s Picks and Possible Fringe Players

England’s final pre-World Cup friendlies produced mixed signals for Thomas Tuchel. A 1-1 draw with Uruguay was followed by a 1-0 defeat to Japan at a sold-out Wembley.

Camp verdict

Tuchel treated the double-header like a selection audition. He rested 11 senior players ahead of the Uruguay match.

Those rested included Dean Henderson, Nico O’Reilly, Dan Burn, Marc Guéhi, Ezri Konsa, Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson, Morgan Rogers, Bukayo Saka, Anthony Gordon and Harry Kane.

What happened in the friendlies

Tuchel named a heavily rotated XI against Uruguay. The match ended 1-1.

James Garner made his England debut and impressed. Ben White scored before conceding a late penalty. Harry Maguire also stood out.

After the Uruguay game, injured players were released. That group included Saka, Rice, John Stones, Adam Wharton and Noni Madueke.

Tuchel also sent Aaron Ramsdale, Fikayo Tomori and Dominic Calvert-Lewin back to their clubs.

Wembley disappointment

Harry Kane withdrew late from the Japan game. Phil Foden started in a false nine role.

England struggled for cutting edge and lost 1-0. Fans booed at full time.

Tuchel acknowledged the result and stressed there were two months to recover fitness and finalise selection.

Tuchel’s Picks

Tuchel’s hierarchy is clearer in some positions than others. Several players appear nailed on for the plane.

Goalkeepers

• Jordan Pickford – established England No.1 and likely starter.
• Dean Henderson – expected second-choice after regular club starts at Crystal Palace.
• James Trafford – competing for the third goalkeeper spot at Manchester City.

On the wider list, Brighton veteran Jason Steele is expected as a training goalkeeper. Aaron Ramsdale and Nick Pope are on the periphery.

Centre-backs

• Marc Guéhi – has transitioned to Manchester City and is seen as a starter.
• John Stones – experienced but currently managing a thigh problem.
• Ezri Konsa – trusted by Tuchel and offers versatility.
• Dan Burn – part of Tuchel’s rotation and able cover at left-back.
• Harry Maguire – recalled and used as a substitute in the Japan match.

Fikayo Tomori, Jarell Quansah and Trevoh Chalobah remain possible fringe players, with injuries affecting some selections.

Full-backs

• Nico O’Reilly – breakthrough season at Manchester City and versatile on the left.
• Reece James – a likely starter if fit after a hamstring issue.
• Tino Livramento – can play both sides but missed time with a knee injury.
• Lewis Hall – rising profile after strong Champions League displays for Newcastle.

Trent Alexander‑Arnold, Myles Lewis‑Skelly, Djed Spence and Luke Shaw sit outside the immediate selection picture. Ben White is an outside shot, his Uruguay appearance was controversial.

Midfield

• Declan Rice – assured selection and key midfield figure.
• Elliot Anderson – favoured in the No.6 role and likely starter.
• Jordan Henderson – experienced option off the bench if required.
• Kobbie Mainoo – young midfielder back in contention.

Adam Wharton, Conor Gallagher, James Garner and Alex Scott remain on the fringes. Garner earned praise on his debut.

Attacking midfield and wingers

• Jude Bellingham – central to Tuchel’s attacking plans once fully fit.
• Morgan Rogers – versatile and in Tuchel’s plans for a No.10 role.
• Cole Palmer – talent hampered by injury but expected to travel.
• Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Gordon, Jarrod Bowen and Noni Madueke – selected among wide options.

Eberechi Eze withdrew with a calf problem. Morgan Gibbs‑White and Phil Foden are notable names who may miss out or fight for minutes.

Strikers

• Harry Kane – captain and undisputed England focal point when fit.
• Ollie Watkins – long considered a Tuchel option and still in contention.

Dominic Calvert‑Lewin, Dominic Solanke and Ivan Toney were discussed as back-up options.

Projected 26-player core

Based on camp activity, a likely core balance emerged. Filmogaz.com summarised the expected selections.

• Goalkeepers: Pickford, Henderson, Trafford.
• Defenders: Reece James, Tino Livramento, John Stones, Marc Guéhi, Ezri Konsa, Dan Burn, Nico O’Reilly, Harry Maguire, Lewis Hall.
• Midfielders: Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, Kobbie Mainoo, Jordan Henderson, Elliot Anderson, Morgan Rogers, Cole Palmer.
• Forwards: Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, Anthony Gordon, Noni Madueke, Marcus Rashford, Jarrod Bowen, Ollie Watkins.

Next steps

Tuchel has two months to finalise his 26 players. Fitness and late-season form will be decisive.

Some names are effectively guaranteed. Others must force their case in remaining club fixtures.