This article forms part of the 2026 World Cup Experts’ Network, a collaboration among leading media outlets from the 48 nations that qualified. Daily previews are being published as the tournament is set to commence on June 11.
Preparation and Strategy
England’s qualification journey was straightforward, achieving a perfect record of eight wins from eight matches, scoring 22 goals while conceding none. However, the quality of their opponents raised questions about how the Three Lions will perform against top-tier teams in knockout phases.
Now, the focus shifts to Thomas Tuchel, who has taken over following a series of near misses under Gareth Southgate. His task is to guide England to their first major trophy in 60 years. Tuchel expressed his ambitions during his introduction in October 2024, aiming to “to try and put a second star on the shirt” Yet, he remains pragmatic about their prospects, stating, “We can’t be one of the favourites as we haven’t won it for so long,”
England: Group L Fixtures
June 17 vs. Croatia, Dallas (3 PM local, 9 PM BST, June 18 6 AM AEST)
June 23 vs. Ghana, Boston (4 PM local, 9 PM BST, June 24 6 AM AEST)
June 27 vs. Panama, New York/New Jersey (5 PM local, 10 PM BST, June 28 7 AM AEST)
The road to the tournament has not been without challenges. Missteps occurred under Tuchel, particularly in matches against Andorra and Senegal last summer, drawing criticism. However, the team has also displayed strong performances. England thrives when united in purpose, with Tuchel emphasizing the importance of brotherhood within the squad. He has fostered a positive culture and made bold selections, leaving out Phil Foden, Cole Palmer, and Trent Alexander-Arnold while including Ivan Toney, which has clarified his vision for the team.
The anticipated formation for England is a 4-2-3-1 setup, showcasing a wealth of attacking talent, including a cadre of No 10s and Declan Rice, recognized as one of the world’s elite midfielders. Concerns linger over defensive stability and fitness of key players. The relationship between Tuchel and Jude Bellingham will also require careful management; if Bellingham is in form, he could be pivotal in leading England to success.
It was crucial for Bellingham to shine during recent warm-up matches, where England claimed victories over New Zealand and Costa Rica in Florida. “There are proven winners within the tournament. These are the favourites.” Tuchel remarked following the win against Costa Rica.
The Coach’s Perspective
Having a German at the helm of the England team may seem unusual to some, but Thomas Tuchel is an anglophile who understands the culture and is regarded as one of the finest managers globally. His accolades include league titles with Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain, as well as a Champions League victory with Chelsea in 2021, displaying his expertise in knockout tournaments. Nonetheless, this is his first venture into international management. Southgate excelled at cultivating a supportive environment during competitions; it remains to be seen if Tuchel, who recently extended his contract until Euro 2028, can ensure the pressure of the shirt does not weigh heavily on the players.
Key Player
There were uncertainties surrounding Harry Kane’s future with England after he was substituted during the Euro 2024 final loss to Spain. Throughout that tournament, he struggled, showcasing performances that suggested he was not fully fit. Nevertheless, Kane continues to serve as the team’s captain and leading scorer. His freshness is vital for Tuchel, who needs the Bayern Munich striker to excel. A strong World Cup could also position Kane as a contender for the Ballon d’Or.
Emerging Talent
England boasts a plethora of No 10s, but Morgan Rogers has emerged as a standout under Tuchel. The Aston Villa forward impressed with a breakout performance last September during the 5-0 triumph against Serbia in Belgrade, earning praise for his contributions both on and off the ball. Tuchel appreciates Rogers’s counter-pressing abilities, which may elevate the 23-year-old—who is passionate about football—over established players like Bellingham and Eberechi Eze in the lineup. Rogers is confident in his abilities, stating, “This will hopefully be an amazing experience,”
Unsung Hero
Declan and who? For a long time, the question was who would partner Rice in midfield. Southgate struggled to find the right fit after Kalvin Phillips faded from the picture, but Tuchel has a promising answer in Elliot Anderson. The Nottingham Forest midfielder has steadily improved since his senior debut last September. Just before the tournament, Forest rejected a £122 million offer from Manchester City for Anderson, who is now a guaranteed starter for England. “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,” Tuchel states. “He is one of the best midfielders in the Premier League,”
Projected Starting XI
Fan Expectations
Prepare for the rest of the world to feign ignorance regarding the ironic nature of “That’s why he is with us and starting for us. He is a very complete and mobile midfielder.” a phrase reflecting years of disappointment. While England typically enjoys strong fan support during tournaments, this event has sparked considerable dissatisfaction over ticket prices. The Football Supporters’ Association has labeled the costs as “scandalous,” with reports indicating that England may not sell out their official FA allocation if they reach the final. Fan organizations have criticized the perceived greed, dubbing this the rip-off World Cup.
Political Climate
With the royal family recently visiting, one might imagine President Trump joining in to sing God Save The King before England matches. While Trump’s relationship with the UK government remains tense, the FA is unlikely to engage in political matters, just as they refrained from doing during the last World Cup in Qatar. Attention is expected to remain focused solely on football, with the FA not vocally defending fans against ticket price issues.
