Neither Jude Bellingham nor Jordan Pickford feature in Thomas Tuchel’s four-man England leadership group, as the Three Lions boss continues to piece together his squad ahead of next summer’s 2026 World Cup. The former Chelsea Champions League-winning manager has now been in charge at Wembley Stadium for 10 months, and the identity of his squad is clearly beginning to take shape.
A 5-0 away win over Serbia in the last international break was the most impressive result of the new era so far. Meanwhile, the latest round of fixtures this October saw the Three Lions race into a 3-0 lead over Wales within 20 minutes, then dominate the rest of the match without adding to the scoreline. After a few underwhelming games at the start of life after Gareth Southgate, England’s direction - and what fans can expect across the pond next year - is becoming much clearer.
The latest step in Tuchel’s bid to, as he put it, “add a second star to the England shirt" after a 60-year trophy drought, was naming his leadership group. While most of his selections are players almost certain to feature heavily at the World Cup, Tuchel has notably snubbed Bellingham - who was part of Southgate’s leadership team - and Pickford, in favour of a more controversial choice.
Thomas Tuchel's England Leadership Group
Harry Kane
Harry Kane in action for England against Andorra
It goes without saying that England’s record goalscorer, Harry Kane, will reclaim the armband for Tuesday night’s qualifier against Latvia after missing the friendly against Wales, which Declan Rice captained. The Bayern Munich talisman - still among the best strikers in the world - was first handed the captaincy in 2018.
As long as Kane continues finding the back of the net, he’s expected to remain England’s captain. When Tuchel arrived in January, it was probably the easiest decision he had to make.
Declan Rice
Declan Rice celebrating after scoring for England against Andorra
Tipped to become Arsenal’s captain one day, Rice is another name that practically picks itself. An all-encompassing presence at the heart of midfield - whether driving forward or breaking up play - the Gunners’ record signing has lived up to his billing as one of the best midfielders in world football.
A well-meaning, industrious box-to-box midfielder, the 26-year-old looks nailed on to be next in line once Kane hangs up his boots for England. He embodies the old saying that games are won and lost in the midfield battle, and his never-say-die attitude - evidenced by his collection of late, long-range winners - shows exactly why he’s earned recognition as a key personality in Tuchel’s dressing room.
John Stones
John Stones applauds
John Stones applauds
The first of two controversial picks - though by far the less contentious of the duo - is John Stones. When fit, there’s perhaps only one defender in the squad better than him, and his role in Manchester City’s unprecedented success under Pep Guardiola cannot be overlooked.
However, while Tuchel has already shown that he won’t base selections on reputation - having recently snubbed the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Phil Foden, and Bellingham - Stones’ fitness record might have warranted that same level of scrutiny. Even so, his leadership qualities appear to have secured his place in the squad. That said, it could be argued that Marc Guehi - ever-reliable, consistently fit, and now an FA Cup-winning captain with Crystal Palace - fits that profile even better.
Jordan Henderson
jordan henderson
It’s become fashionable to criticise Jordan Henderson, who appeared to have all but ended his international career in 2023 when he left Liverpool to join Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq, briefly reuniting with former teammate Steven Gerrard.
Now back in the Premier League with Brentford, however, the 35-year-old has shown he still has plenty left in the tank. He’s registered two assists in seven games so far - including a superb 60-yard pass to Igor Thiago in a 3-1 win over Manchester United.
When it comes to leadership credentials, few in the England squad can match Henderson’s record. He captained Liverpool to their first league title in 30 years, as well as to triumphs in the Champions League, FA Cup, League Cup, UEFA Super Cup, and Club World Cup.
Notable Omissions
Jordan Pickford & Jude Bellingham included
jude bellingham england
Asked if Kane, Rice, Henderson and Stones are now his leadership group for the foreseeable future and not just the current camp, Tuchel said, as per The Telegraph: “There is an ongoing thing. They behave like captains and they are like captains. They are at the moment the drivers of the standards and the drivers of the mentality, and the drivers often on the pitch, so they are my captains.
“If you want to call it a ‘leadership group’, they are the leaders, they are the drivers of this group at this moment.”
England's Jordan Henderson with manager Thomas Tuchel before coming on as a substitute
When it was put to him that Bellingham had been part of England’s leadership group at last summer’s European Championship under his predecessor, though, Tuchel seemed far less emphatic, saying: “He was, he was when he was in camp with us," before then responding to a question about whether he will be in the group if he returns to the squad anytime soon with: "I guess so."
Another player not part of Tuchel’s leadership group is goalkeeper Pickford, who will win his 80th cap against Latvia and is the third-most capped player never to start an England game as captain.
jordan pickford
The Everton shot-stopper has explained that he doesn’t need a title to demonstrate his leadership qualities. His constant communication with defenders and his maverick swagger are likely to be prominent features in the USA, Canada, and Mexico next summer.
Marc Guehi is another player others can look to for inspiration, as are Kyle Walker and possibly Dan Burn - though the latter doesn’t yet have the same international experience or longevity as the rest.