England 2026 World Cup preview: Players to watch, group and prediction

It has been 60 years since England lifted the World Cup trophy. 

While the Three Lions showed significant improvement under Gareth Southgate in the previous major tournament, they failed to go all the way and claim silverware. 

Thomas Tuchel, widely regarded as one of the best coaches in world football, is now at the helm of affairs to lead England to glory at the 2026 World Cup. 

They come into this tournament off the back of an incredible qualifying campaign, winning all eight games to top their group. 

Tuchel’s squad selection 

England are packed with quality and will enter the competition as one of the top contenders. 

However, Tuchel’s squad selection has raised a few eyebrows as he has left out several big names. 

Chelsea’s Cole Palmer and Manchester City’s Phil Foden didn’t make the cut after disappointing seasons. 

There was no place for Real Madrid star Trent Alexander-Arnold, while Manchester United’s Harry Maguire also missed out. 

Ivan Toney has made the squad, along with Djed Spence, Jordan Henderson and Jarell Quansah. 

Players to watch 

Harry Kane is one of the best strikers in the world who has developed a reputation for his exceptional football skills, leadership qualities and determination. 

The 32-year-old is in peak form, as he guided Bayern Munich to the Bundesliga title after scoring an incredible 61 goals in 51 appearances across all competitions. 

England will also heavily rely on midfielders Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson, who both enjoyed impressive domestic campaigns in 2025-26. 

England’s group 

Tuchel’s side have been handed a tough group that contains Croatia, Panama and Ghana. 

Croatia are ranked 11th in the world and they beat England in the 2018 World Cup semi-final in Russia. 

Panama could be tricky opponents, as they beat the United States en route to becoming CONCACAF Nations League runners-up last year. 

Meanwhile, Ghana also boast quality players in their ranks, including Antoine Semenyo and Mohammed Kudus. 

Prediction 

England are expected to advance to the knockouts and could even reach the semi-finals, but we don’t see them lifting the World Cup trophy.