This article is part of the 2026 World Cup Experts’ Network, a collaboration among premier media organizations from the 48 nations that qualified. Leading up to the tournament’s start on June 11, previews are being published daily from three countries.
Qualifying Success
England’s qualification process was remarkably smooth, achieving eight victories in eight matches, scoring 22 goals while conceding none. However, the quality of opposition faced during this phase was not particularly challenging. The pressing concern remains how the Three Lions will perform against elite teams in knockout scenarios.
Enter Thomas Tuchel, who took over following a string of near misses under Gareth Southgate. His mission is clear: to guide England to their first major tournament victory in 60 years. During his unveiling in October 2024, Tuchel emphasized the goal of “to try and put a second star on the shirt” Yet, he approaches this summer with a sense of realism, stating, “We can’t be one of the favourites as we haven’t won it for so long,”
The journey to the World Cup has not been without its challenges. Tuchel’s tenure has included some setbacks, notably disappointing performances against Andorra and Senegal last summer, yet there have been significant positives. England thrives when united, and Tuchel aims to cultivate a brotherhood among the squad. His decisions have been bold, leaving out players like Phil Foden, Cole Palmer, and Trent Alexander-Arnold while including Ivan Toney, suggesting a newfound clarity in his selection process.
England is likely to adopt a 4-2-3-1 formation. With an impressive array of attacking talents, including several players suited for the No 10 role and Declan Rice—one of the top midfielders globally—there are still concerns regarding defensive strength and the fitness of key players. Tuchel will need to manage the crucial relationship with Jude Bellingham, as the Real Madrid star’s performance could be pivotal to England’s hopes.
During warm-up matches in Florida, Bellingham’s form was encouraging as England secured victories against New Zealand and Costa Rica. “There are proven winners within the tournament. These are the favourites.” Tuchel remarked following the win over Costa Rica.
Coaching Approach
Having a German at the helm of the English team may seem unusual to some, but Thomas Tuchel is deeply attuned to English culture and is widely regarded as one of the elite managers globally. His track record includes league titles with Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain, and he showcased his aptitude for knockout competitions by winning the Champions League with Chelsea in 2021. However, this will be his first experience in international management. While Southgate excelled at creating a positive tournament environment, the question remains: can Tuchel, who recently extended his contract until Euro 2028, ensure the players bear the shirt lightly?
Key Player
There were moments of uncertainty surrounding Harry Kane’s future with England, especially after his substitution during the loss to Spain in the Euro 2024 final. Despite struggling through that tournament, Kane remains the team’s heart and soul. Simply put, England’s success hinges on their captain and all-time leading scorer. Tuchel will need a rejuvenated Kane, who has enjoyed another prolific season with Bayern Munich. A standout World Cup performance could see him in contention for the Ballon d’Or.
Player to Watch
While England boasts a plethora of No 10s, Morgan Rogers has emerged as a standout under Tuchel. The Aston Villa forward delivered an impressive performance in a 5-0 victory against Serbia last September and is recognized for his contributions both on and off the ball. Tuchel appreciates Rogers’s counter-pressing abilities, which could elevate the 23-year-old above established names like Bellingham and Eberechi Eze in the lineup. Confident in his abilities, Rogers states, “This will hopefully be an amazing experience,”
Unsung Hero
Declan Rice has long been the focal point in midfield, but there has been ongoing speculation about who should partner him. Southgate struggled to find a suitable answer after Kalvin Phillips fell out of favor, but Tuchel has discovered a gem in Elliot Anderson. The Nottingham Forest midfielder has rapidly progressed since his senior debut last September. Just before the tournament, Forest rejected a £122m offer from Manchester City, and Anderson is poised to be a key 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 asserts. “He is one of the best midfielders in the Premier League,”
Projected Starting XI
Fan Expectations
Prepare for the global audience to humorously overlook that “That’s why he is with us and starting for us. He is a very complete and mobile midfielder.” is a tongue-in-cheek reference to years of disappointments. While England typically enjoys robust support during tournaments, this edition has seen discontent regarding ticket prices. The Football Supporters’ Association has labeled these costs as “scandalous,” and reports in February indicated that England might not sell out their official FA allocation should they reach the final. Fan groups have voiced their frustrations, denouncing this tournament as the rip-off World Cup.
Relations with the US
With the British royal family recently visiting the U.S., it’s conceivable that President Trump might be found singing along to God Save The King before England matches. However, given the current frosty relations with the UK government, the FA is unlikely to engage in political matters, having steered clear of such issues during the last World Cup in Qatar. The focus is set to remain firmly on football, and the FA has not been particularly vocal about defending fans regarding ticket pricing.
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