This article forms part of the 2026 World Cup Experts’ Network, a collaboration of leading media outlets from the 48 nations that qualified for the tournament. The previews from three countries are being published daily leading up to the tournament that starts on June 11.
Preparation Overview
The qualification process was straightforward for England, as they achieved eight victories in eight matches, scoring 22 goals while conceding none. However, the strength of their opponents was not particularly daunting. The real test will come when the Three Lions face top-tier teams in knockout rounds.
Enter Thomas Tuchel, appointed after several near misses under Gareth Southgate. Tuchel’s mission is to lead England to a long-awaited triumph, ending a 60-year drought. At his introduction in October 2024, he stated the goal is “to try and put a second star on the shirt” Yet, Tuchel is pragmatic about their prospects this summer, acknowledging, “We can’t be one of the favourites as we haven’t won it for so long,”
England: Group L Schedule
17 June v Croatia, Dallas (3pm local, 9pm BST, 18 June 6am AEST)
23 June v Ghana, Boston (4pm local, 9pm BST, 24 June 6am AEST)
27 June v Panama, New York/New Jersey (5pm local, 10pm BST, 28 June 7am AEST)
The journey to this point hasn’t been entirely smooth. Under Tuchel, the team has faced criticism for performances against Andorra and Senegal last summer, but there have been notable successes as well. England thrives when united in purpose, and Tuchel has emphasized fostering a sense of brotherhood within the squad. He has made significant decisions regarding the roster, including leaving out Phil Foden, Cole Palmer, and Trent Alexander-Arnold, while bringing in Ivan Toney, indicating he has a clear vision.
Expect England to adopt a 4-2-3-1 formation. The squad boasts impressive attacking talent, a wealth of No 10s, and Declan Rice, regarded as one of the world’s premier midfielders. Nevertheless, uncertainties linger regarding defensive choices and ongoing fitness issues concerning key players. Tuchel must also carefully manage his relationship with Jude Bellingham; if the Real Madrid star is on form, he could play a pivotal role in England’s quest for the trophy.
It was crucial for Bellingham to excel as England secured warm-up victories against New Zealand and Costa Rica in Florida. “There are proven winners within the tournament. These are the favourites.” Tuchel remarked following the win over Costa Rica.
The Head Coach
Some might find it surprising that a German is managing England, but Thomas Tuchel is an anglophile who understands the culture and is recognized as one of the world’s elite coaches. He has clinched league titles with Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain, and his 2021 Champions League victory with Chelsea highlighted his expertise in knockout competitions. However, this marks his debut in international management. Southgate excelled at creating a positive atmosphere during tournaments; Tuchel needs to ensure that the pressure of the shirt doesn’t weigh heavily.
Key Player
It’s remarkable to think there were doubts surrounding Harry Kane’s future with the national team after he was substituted in England’s defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final. The striker struggled during that tournament, appearing far from his best. Nevertheless, he remains the team’s cornerstone and captain. Simply put, England’s success is heavily reliant on Kane’s performance. Tuchel requires a rejuvenated Kane; the Bayern Munich forward has had another outstanding season, and a strong World Cup campaign could position him for the Ballon d’Or.
Player to Watch
While England has no shortage of talented No 10s, Morgan Rogers has particularly stood out under Tuchel’s guidance. The Aston Villa forward made a significant impact during a 5-0 victory against Serbia last September and is lauded for his contributions both on and off the ball. Tuchel admires Rogers’s ability to counter-press, which may elevate the 23-year-old above established names like Bellingham and Eberechi Eze. Confident in his abilities, Rogers stated, “This will hopefully be an amazing experience,”
Unsung Hero
For a long time, the question lingered as to who would partner Declan Rice in midfield. Gareth Southgate struggled to find the right combination after Kalvin Phillips faded from the picture, but Tuchel has found a gem in Elliot Anderson. The Nottingham Forest midfielder has rapidly developed since making his senior debut last September. Just before the tournament, Forest rejected a £122 million bid from Manchester City, and Anderson is now a guaranteed starter for England. Tuchel praised him, saying, “The way I was as a kid, I still think I’m that person now, wanting to show my freedom in the way I play,”
Predicted Starting XI
Fan Expectations
Prepare for the rest of the world to feign ignorance about the ironic nature of the phrase “He is one of the best midfielders in the Premier League,” which reflects years of disappointment. While England typically enjoys robust support at tournaments, this edition has sparked complaints regarding ticket prices. The Football Supporters’ Association has labeled them as “That’s why he is with us and starting for us. He is a very complete and mobile midfielder.” and reports from February indicated that England might not sell out their official FA allocation if they reach the final. Fan organizations have criticized the perceived greed, dubbing it the rip-off World Cup.
US Relations and Politics
With the royal family recently visiting, one might wonder if President Trump will be singing God Save The King before England’s matches. Despite the current chilly relations between Trump and the UK government, it’s unlikely the FA will engage in political issues; they maintained a neutral stance during the previous World Cup in Qatar. The emphasis will likely remain on football, and the FA has not been particularly vocal in advocating for fans concerning ticket pricing.
