This article is part of the 2026 World Cup Experts’ Network, a collaboration among top media organizations from the 48 nations that qualified. Daily previews are being published on the run-up to the tournament, which begins on June 11.
Qualifying Success
England’s path to qualification was remarkably straightforward, with the team achieving eight victories in as many matches, tallying 22 goals and conceding none. However, the strength of their opposition was not particularly formidable. The lingering question remains how the Three Lions will perform against elite teams in the knockout stages.
Now, the responsibility falls on Thomas Tuchel, who was appointed following a string of disappointments under Gareth Southgate. The German manager aims to help England break a 60-year trophy drought. Upon his appointment in October 2024, Tuchel stated, “to try and put a second star on the shirt” is the goal. Nonetheless, he recognizes the challenges ahead. “We can’t be one of the favourites as we haven’t won it for so long,” Tuchel remarked this week. “There are proven winners within the tournament. These are the favourites.”
Tuchel’s journey as coach has not been without hurdles. Some performances, particularly against Andorra and Senegal last summer, drew criticism. Yet, the team has also delivered impressive displays. England thrives when there is a collective objective, and Tuchel has emphasized building a sense of camaraderie. His squad selections have been bold, excluding notable players like Phil Foden, Cole Palmer, and Trent Alexander-Arnold while including Ivan Toney. He appears to have established a clear direction.
Expect England to adopt a 4-2-3-1 formation. They possess an array of attacking talents, numerous playmakers, and Declan Rice, who is regarded as one of the world’s finest midfielders. Nonetheless, there are concerns regarding the defensive lineup and the fitness of key players. Tuchel’s relationship with Jude Bellingham will also be pivotal; if the Real Madrid star performs at his best, he could be instrumental in leading England to victory.
It was crucial for Bellingham to shine in the warm-up matches against New Zealand and Costa Rica in Florida. After the win over Costa Rica, Tuchel expressed optimism, saying, “This will hopefully be an amazing experience,”
Coaching Insights
The idea of a German coach leading England may be unsettling for some, but Thomas Tuchel is genuinely attuned to English football culture. He has proven himself as one of the world’s top managers, having won league titles with Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain, and clinching the Champions League with Chelsea in 2021, showcasing his aptitude for knockout competitions. This, however, marks his first venture into international management. Southgate excelled in fostering the right atmosphere during tournaments; can Tuchel, who recently extended his contract until Euro 2028, ensure that the pressure of the shirt does not weigh heavily on the players?
Key Player
Reflecting on Harry Kane’s future with England, there were concerns when he was substituted during the loss to Spain in the Euro 2024 final. The striker struggled throughout that tournament, appearing far from his best; nevertheless, he remains the team’s heart and captain. Simply put, England’s success hinges on Kane’s performance. The Bayern Munich forward has enjoyed another fruitful season, and a stellar World Cup could position him as a contender for the Ballon d’Or.
Player to Watch
While England boasts a wealth of attacking midfielders, Morgan Rogers has emerged as a standout under Tuchel’s guidance. The Aston Villa forward made a significant impact in a 5-0 victory against Serbia last September, earning praise for his contributions both on and off the ball. Tuchel admires Rogers’s ability to counter-press effectively. This could elevate the 23-year-old, a self-professed football enthusiast, above established names like Bellingham and Eberechi Eze in the selection pecking order. Rogers remains confident, stating, “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,”
Unsung Hero
For an extended period, the question of who should partner Declan Rice in midfield was unresolved, particularly after Kalvin Phillips faded from prominence. Tuchel has identified Elliot Anderson as a promising solution. The Nottingham Forest midfielder has impressed since his senior debut last September. Just before the tournament, Forest rejected a £122 million offer from Manchester City, highlighting Anderson’s significance, as he is now a guaranteed starter for England. “He is one of the best midfielders in the Premier League,” Tuchel says. “That’s why he is with us and starting for us. He is a very complete and mobile midfielder.”
Predicted Starting XI
Fan Expectations
Prepare for global audiences to misunderstand that “It’s coming home” is meant to be an ironic, self-deprecating reference to England’s long history of near misses. While historically well-supported at tournaments, this World Cup has seen widespread complaints regarding ticket prices. The Football Supporters’ Association has labeled the costs as “scandalous,” and there are concerns that England may not sell out their official FA allocation if they reach the final. Fan groups have criticized what they see as exploitation, dubbing this the rip-off World Cup.
US Relations and Political Climate
With the recent visit of the royal family, one might wonder if President Trump will be singing God Save The King before England’s matches. Despite the current tensions between Trump’s administration and the UK government, it is unlikely that the FA will engage in political discussions, as they refrained from doing so during the last World Cup in Qatar. The focus will primarily remain on the sport itself. The FA has not been particularly vocal regarding fan grievances over ticket pricing.
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