Football General Manager
England are undoubtedly one of the powerhouses in world football, with some legendary players having donned the Three Lions’ shirt. However, when it comes to luck, the European side have often fallen short. Despite their historic status, England have managed to win only a single major trophy, way back in the 1966 World Cup, where they defeated Germany to lift the coveted title.
Since that iconic triumph, England have faced a series of disappointments on the grandest stage. They came agonizingly close to reaching the final in the 2018 edition of the tournament, only to be knocked out by Croatia in the semi-final, despite taking an early lead.
In 2022, they were eliminated by France in the quarter-finals as Harry Kane, of all people, missed a crucial chance to equalize in the dying minutes via a penalty. Much like their World Cup luck, England have endured similar heartbreak in the European Championships.
Having never won the Euros, they came painfully close in both 2021 and 2024, reaching the final in consecutive tournaments. However, it was Italy who denied them in 2021, followed by Spain in 2024, marking the end of Gareth Southgate’s tenure as manager of the Three Lions.
Now, with knockout specialist Thomas Tuchel at the helm, English fans will be optimistic about finally breaking the decades-long curse and lifting the iconic trophy at the upcoming FIFA World Cup in 2026. Could it finally be coming home? Let’s assess their chances by taking a closer look at their squad strength.
England are undoubtedly one of the powerhouses in world football, with some legendary players having donned the Three Lions’ shirt. However, when it comes to luck, the European side have often fallen short. Despite their historic status, England have managed to win only a single major trophy, way back in the 1966 World Cup, where they defeated Germany to lift the coveted title.
Since that iconic triumph, England have faced a series of disappointments on the grandest stage. They came agonizingly close to reaching the final in the 2018 edition of the tournament, only to be knocked out by Croatia in the semi-final, despite taking an early lead.
In 2022, they were eliminated by France in the quarter-finals as Harry Kane, of all people, missed a crucial chance to equalize in the dying minutes via a penalty. Much like their World Cup luck, England have endured similar heartbreak in the European Championships.
Having never won the Euros, they came painfully close in both 2021 and 2024, reaching the final in consecutive tournaments. However, it was Italy who denied them in 2021, followed by Spain in 2024, marking the end of Gareth Southgate’s tenure as manager of the Three Lions.
Now, with knockout specialist Thomas Tuchel at the helm, English fans will be optimistic about finally breaking the decades-long curse and lifting the iconic trophy at the upcoming FIFA World Cup in 2026. Could it finally be coming home? Let’s assess their chances by taking a closer look at their squad strength.
Between the sticks, England are blessed with some of the finest goalkeepers in the Premier League. Jordan Pickford of Everton had been the front-runner during Gareth Southgate’s tenure with the Three Lions, but things could change under Thomas Tuchel, as the German manager has already been experimenting in his first few games in charge.
Although Pickford started in goal for England’s World Cup qualifier against Andorra, Dean Henderson was given a chance in the following match against Senegal.
Newcastle United‘s Nick Pope and former Arsenal star Aaron Ramsdale are also strong options and could be included in Tuchel’s plans for the spectacle in the USA, Canada, and Mexico next year.
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In defense, Tuchel will have some big decisions to make, as the English squad is overflowing with quality options. To give an idea of the depth, just at right-back, England have seven top players in contention. Trent Alexander-Arnold, Kyle Walker, Kieran Trippier, Valentino Livramento, Reece James, Rico Lewis, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka are all competing for a spot under Tuchel on the right flank.
The situation is similar on the left, though not as crowded, England still possess notable depth with Luke Shaw, Ben Chilwell, and Lewis Hall all fighting for a starting position.
At the heart of the defense, Tuchel will once again face a selection dilemma in deciding his ideal center-back duo. John Stones, Ben White, Harry Maguire, Trevoh Chalobah, Marc Guehi, and Max Kilman are all strong candidates, just to name a few. It will be interesting to see which backline the German manager finalizes ahead of the showpiece event that kicks off in a year’s time.
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Moving on to the midfield, England once again have a wealth of top-class options to choose from. Declan Rice has been instrumental for both club and country, anchoring the defensive midfield role with authority. Meanwhile, the likes of Jude Bellingham, Cole Palmer, and Phil Foden are attacking gems who could easily emerge as England’s standout performers at the tournament next year, especially under a tactician like Tuchel.
Jack Grealish, although not in top form for Manchester City, has consistently delivered for England and could once again be a clutch player coming off the bench. The talented Aston Villa duo of Jacob Ramsey and Morgan Rogers are also under consideration and could provide fresh energy in midfield.
Conor Gallagher has impressed during his time in Spain with Atletico Madrid, while James Maddison, Eberechi Eze, and Sean Longstaff are also intriguing options who could make the final cut.
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Similar to their strength in midfield and defense, England are well covered in attack. England’s all-time top scorer and current captain, Harry Kane, is once again expected to lead the frontline for the Three Lions at the World Cup next year.
Meanwhile, Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka is another lethal option who could prove decisive on the wings. Ollie Watkins, although technically a backup to Kane, is far too good to be limited to that role and is expected to be a key impact player off the bench. He famously scored the winning goal against the Netherlands in the final minutes of the semi-final at the 2024 Euros.
Young Anthony Gordon is another exciting talent who could thrive under Tuchel’s guidance. Marcus Rashford, who impressed during his loan spell at Aston Villa, could also play an important role, provided he secures a spot in the final squad.
Additionally, Liam Delap, Jarrod Bowen, Dominic Solanke, and Jadon Sancho are all strong options for Tuchel to consider as he shapes a versatile and dangerous attacking unit.
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As we can see from their squad strength already, the Three Lions have no shortage of star players in either of the areas on the pitch. Nevertheless, there are soem who are simply exceptional and the best in their positions.
Players like Cole Pamer and Jude Bellingham have been at the top of their game for both club and country and will once again be crucial in decding England’s fate at the showpiece event next year. In the frontine, Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka will be instrumental. Kane has smashed every record in the Bundesliga playign for Bayern Munich while Saka has continued his dominance int he Premier League for Arsenal despite his young age.
Declan Rice in the defensive midfield role will be a key player in holding the midfield for the Three Lions while John Stones is expected to be the stalwart and a key figure in leading the backline for Tuchel’s side.
Trent Alexander-Arnold on the other hand has just moved to Real Madrid as their brand new Galactico having spent nine seasons with the Liverpool first team preivously. Although the right-back hasn’t got much chances in the national team yet, his fortune could change under Tuchel.
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When it comes to formation, Tuchel is known for his flexibility. The German manager can adapt his setup according to the demands of the situation, and given the depth of talent at his disposal with England, he is expected to do the same.
In goal, Jordan Pickford is expected to retain his position as the first-choice goalkeeper. However, Dean Henderson and Nick Pope could also make a strong case for themselves in the coming months.
Moving on to the defense, Tuchel is likely to opt for Luke Shaw at left-back, given his experience with the national team. Meanwhile, young Miles Lewis-Skelly of Arsenal could be an interesting option off the bench. The youngster has shown promise in Arteta’s system and may play a similar supporting role under Tuchel.
Declan Rice and Kobbie Mainoo are strong defensive midfielders and are expected to play key roles in holding the midfield and providing balance. Ahead of them, the attacking trio of Cole Palmer, Jude Bellingham, and Bukayo Saka brings creativity, flair, and goal threat.
Up front, Harry Kane is once again expected to lead the line for the Three Lions as their primary goal scorer.
Predicted England starting XIu0026nbsp;(4-2-3-1):u0026nbsp;Pickford; Alexander-Arnold, Stones, White, Shaw; Rice, Mainoo; Saka, Palmer, Bellingham; Kane
