By OkayGoal 
England have sealed their place at the 2026 World Cup, with the Three Lions becoming the first European team to qualify.
Thomas Tuchel has overseen a perfect record in qualification. England have won all six fixtures in Group K, without conceding a goal. Tuchel will have a strong idea of who will make his final squad next summer, but with several big names absent from the last two squads, there are some huge decisions to make.
Following October’s wins over Wales and Latvia, we’ve listed our thoughts on England’s squad as things stand. Who is assured of their place on the plane? And who has work to do?
England 2026 World Cup squad predictions
On the plane: Jordan Pickford, Marc Guehi, Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Harry Kane
Even at this stage, there are perhaps only five certainties in Tuchel’s squad. Harry Kane will lead England at the tournament barring injury, with the 32-year-old in the best form of his career. Kane is averaging a goal or assist every 39 minutes for Bayern Munich in 2025/26 and netted twice in Tuesday’s 5-0 win in Latvia to make it 76 goals and counting for the Three Lions.
Jordan Pickford, who has not conceded a goal for England in more than a year, remains the undisputed number one. Elsewhere, Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka are shoo-ins, while Marc Guehi has emerged as England’s leading defender since Euro 2024.
Just a reminder that it’s only October
Is Harry Kane the best striker in the world?
pic.twitter.com/TwOs7iyhsC
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) October 14, 2025
Almost certain to travel: Dean Henderson, Reece James, Ezri Konsa, John Stones, Elliot Anderson, Morgan Rogers, Jude Bellingham, Cole Palmer, Anthony Gordon, Ollie Watkins.
Despite Tuchel’s very public comments regarding Jude Bellingham and other high-profile names, it would be a staggering shock if the Real Madrid midfielder did not make the squad.
Bellingham remains, arguably, England’s biggest talent, while the x-factor and cool Cole Palmer brings cannot be overlooked. Reece James is a favourite of Tuchel if he can remain fit, while Ezri Konsa, Elliot Anderson, Morgan Rogers and Anthony Gordon have done enough to win the manager’s trust.
Elliot Anderson ran the show once again for England against Latvia:
Most passes completed (121)
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) October 14, 2025
Likely to make the squad: Dan Burn, Djed Spence, Eberechi Eze, Phil Foden, Marcus Rashford.
Marcus Rashford’s renaissance at Barcelona has been well timed, while Phil Foden will be difficult to overlook if he can get anywhere close to his best at Manchester City.
In a squad overloaded with attacking talent, the versatility and dependable recent performances of Dan Burn boost his appeal.
Work to do: Aaron Ramsdale, Nick Pope, James Trafford, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Tino Livramento, Djed Spence, Jarell Quansah, Lewis Hall, Nico O’Reilly, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Jordan Henderson, Adam Wharton, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Morgan Gibbs-White, Jarrod Bowen, Jack Grealish, Ivan Toney.
A collection of players who have featured in recent squads without nailing down a place in Thomas Tuchel’s plans. Not for the first time with an England manager, Trent Alexander-Arnold has work to do to convince.
Jack Grealish’s form at Everton has been encouraging, while Lewis Hall, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Nico O’Reilly are all options for a, somewhat, problem position at left-back.
Further forward, Ivan Toney could consider a Premier League return in January to boost his chances.
Jack Grealish in the Premier League this season
◉ Shot assists — 1st*
◉ Offensive duels won — 1st*
◉ Fouls suffered — 1st*
◉ Assists — 1st
◉ Progressive carries — 1st
◉ Touches in box — 1st
◎ Successful dribbles — 2nd*Also first in Europe’s Top 5 Leagues
— DataMB (@DataMB_) October 15, 2025
… Unlikely as things stand: Rico Lewis, Ben White, Jarrad Branthwaite, Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Levi Colwill, Fikayo Tomori, Trevoh Chalobah, Tyrick Mitchell, James Garner, Curtis Jones, Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount, Conor Gallagher, Angel Gomes, Jacob Ramsey, Harvey Elliott, James Maddison, Ethan Nwaneri, Jamie Gittens, Harvey Barnes, Jadon Sancho, Liam Delap, Dominic Solanke.
It’s an indication of the depth of talent England possess that this group all look unlikely to travel, as things stand. Levi Colwill and James Maddison are sidelined with ACL injuries, while Conor Gallagher, Curtis Jones and Angel Gomes have all lost favour since the departure of interim manager Lee Carsley.
Read – The biggest shock results in the October international break
See more – Five top players in danger of missing the 2026 World Cup
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The post England 2026 World Cup squad: Who is on the plane? first appeared on The Football Faithful.
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