WORLD CUP 2026
England's 2026 World Cup Squad — All 26 Players Explained
Introduction
Thomas Tuchel named his 26-man squad for the World Cup on 22 May 2026. It caused controversy — several high-profile names were left out (see our Big Omissions article) and some surprising inclusions raised eyebrows. Here is the full squad, with a plain-English explanation of who each player is and what they do.
Each player name links to their full profile page. Numbers are official World Cup squad numbers.
Goalkeepers
1. Jordan Pickford — Everton
England’s undisputed number one. Pickford has been the first-choice goalkeeper for years and is known for his agility, shot-stopping and — memorably — penalty saves at major tournaments. This is his third World Cup. He kept 11 clean sheets in the Premier League this season.
13. Dean Henderson — Crystal Palace
The backup goalkeeper who had a brilliant season at Crystal Palace. He and Pickford have exactly the same number of clean sheets this season (11), which is remarkable. In the unlikely event Pickford is injured, Henderson is more than capable.
23. James Trafford — Manchester City
The young third-choice goalkeeper. Unlikely to play unless both Pickford and Henderson are unavailable. An England Under-21 international who made cup appearances for City this season.
Defenders
2. Ezri Konsa — Aston Villa
A solid, athletic central defender who played an important role in Aston Villa‘s Europa League win this season. Dependable and good in the air — likely to be in Tuchel’s first-choice defence.
5. John Stones — Manchester City
A vastly experienced defender who has won nearly everything with Man City. Known for his ability to play out from the back and join attacks — a modern, ball-playing defender. This is his third World Cup.
6. Marc Guehi — Manchester City
One of the best young defenders in England. Guehi moved from Crystal Palace to Man City in January and settled instantly. He will likely partner Stones or Konsa at the heart of England’s defence. Calm, composed and excellent in one-on-one situations.
24. Reece James — Chelsea
England’s first-choice right-back when fit — and fitness has been his biggest challenge in recent years. A dynamic, powerful player who attacks brilliantly from the right. If he stays fit, he is one of the best right-backs at the World Cup.
12. Tino Livramento — Newcastle United
A pacy, exciting right-back who can also play on the left. His inclusion is recognition of his consistent Premier League performances with Newcastle. First World Cup.
15. Dan Burn — Newcastle United
A big, physical defender who covers multiple positions. Not the most glamorous selection but Tuchel clearly values his experience and reliability. Primarily a squad player and cover option.
26. Jarell Quansah — Bayer Leverkusen
A young central defender who made the move to Bayer Leverkusen in Germany and impressed. Part of a generation of young English defenders breaking through. First World Cup.
3. Nico O’Reilly — Manchester City
A versatile player who can play at left back or in midfield — Tuchel has given him the number 3 shirt, suggesting he sees him as a defensive option. Won the EFL Cup with City this season, scoring both goals in the final against Arsenal. Won Young Player of the Year. One of the exciting new faces in this squad.
25. Djed Spence — Tottenham Hotspur
A versatile right-sided defender who benefits from Trent Alexander-Arnold’s absence. Played regularly for Spurs in a difficult season for the club. Good going forward with pace and energy.
Midfielders
4. Declan Rice — Arsenal
England’s most important midfielder. Rice is the anchor of the team — he sits in front of the defence, wins the ball, and is the platform from which everything else builds. He was central to Arsenal‘s Premier League title win. One of the best defensive midfielders in the world. His second World Cup.
10. Jude Bellingham — Real Madrid
England’s most naturally gifted player. Bellingham plays in midfield but attacks brilliantly, scoring goals and creating chances with equal ease. He was incredible at Euro 2024. His form for Real Madrid has been up and down but when he is on it, he is world class. His second World Cup.
21. Eberechi Eze — Arsenal
A skilful, creative midfielder who moved from Crystal Palace to Arsenal this season and was one of the best players in the Premier League. Brilliant dribbler, excellent passer, and can score spectacular goals. His Champions League final penalty miss will be in his mind — this tournament is his chance to write a different story.
16. Kobbie Mainoo — Manchester United
A young central midfielder who burst onto the scene in 2023/24 and has been developing ever since. Composed, technically excellent, and mature beyond his years. His first World Cup.
14. Jordan Henderson — Brentford
The experienced midfielder and former Liverpool captain who has been around international football for years. Now at Brentford, he brings leadership, experience and reliability to a squad that has plenty of youth. This will be his record-equalling fourth World Cup. He will not start every game but is invaluable in the dressing room.
17. Morgan Rogers — Aston Villa
One of the breakout stars of the 2025/26 season. Rogers was Aston Villa‘s Player of the Tournament in the Europa League and is a dynamic, running midfielder who also contributed goals. His inclusion is well deserved after a brilliant season. First World Cup.
8. Elliot Anderson — Nottingham Forest
A box-to-box midfielder who has impressed Tuchel with his energy, work rate and technical quality. Played a key role in England’s qualifying campaign and has earned his place in this squad through consistent Premier League performances. First World Cup.
Forwards
9. Harry Kane — Bayern Munich
England’s captain and all-time record scorer with 78 international goals. Kane is one of the best strikers in the world — not just a goalscorer but an all-round footballer who drops deep, creates for others and leads by example. He plays for Bayern Munich in Germany after leaving Tottenham. This may be his last chance to win a major international trophy. His third World Cup.
7. Bukayo Saka — Arsenal
Arsenal‘s brilliant right winger who is one of the most exciting players in the Premier League. He is direct, creative, brave and scores important goals. He was key to Arsenal’s title win and is one of England’s most important attackers. His second World Cup.
11. Marcus Rashford — Barcelona (loan from Manchester United)
Rashford had a resurgent season at Barcelona, contributing goals and assists after falling out of favour at Manchester United. His form earned him a recall to the England squad despite missing Euro 2024. Quick, direct and dangerous, he offers something different going forward. His third World Cup.
19. Ollie Watkins — Aston Villa
A dynamic striker who scored the goal that took England to the Euro 2024 final with a stunning late winner against Netherlands in the semi-final. Smart mover, hard worker, clinical finisher. His first World Cup.
18. Anthony Gordon — Barcelona
A pacy, direct winger who moved from Newcastle to Barcelona and has been used as an impact substitute by Tuchel. His direct running and ability to play as a striker make him a useful tactical option.
20. Noni Madueke — Arsenal
A tricky wide forward who can play on either flank. His inclusion was seen as a slight surprise given his limited contributions for Arsenal this season, but Tuchel clearly rates him highly.
22. Ivan Toney — Al-Ahli (Saudi Arabia)
A physical, powerful striker who had a brilliant spell at Brentford before moving to Saudi Arabia. Less match practice than some alternatives but brings a different physical presence as an option off the bench.
