In our weekly series, our Chief Football Writer John Cross gives his latest England player ratings for Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup 2026 squad
John Cross has given his latest England player ratings following the North London Derby
John Cross has given his latest England player ratings following the North London Derby
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Bukayo Saka is one of the first names on the England team sheet. But it is fair to say that so far this has not been a vintage season by Saka’s own very high standards.
However, the Arsenal winger was back to his best in the North London derby win at Tottenham on Sunday. Saka was terrific as he wore the armband, set the tone and showed great personality and the leadership side of his game which maybe does not get fully appreciated.
He is in Arsenal’s leadership group, was a leader in the England squad under Gareth Southgate and will be a figure that the current players look up to. If you had to name first names on the sheet… they are Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, Jordan Pickford and Marc Guehi.
Here’s another on Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup list… Ezri Konsa. The England manager loves him and Elliot Anderson is not far behind.
But even those two are not among the six England untouchables and, if you are looking for consistency and reliability, then Saka always delivers for the Three Lions.
England Player Ratings this week
In our new weekly series, our Chief Football Writer John Cross gives his England player ratings for Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup 2026 squad
There’s the chance to have your say in the article - so get involved.
Bukayo Saka
His best performance for some time as he shone, made things happen and led by example. This was a performance with a real message that Arsenal were back in the title race - and Saka set the tone.
Mixed. He has a new contract to celebrate and he is Arsenal’s crown jewel. But when you are as good as him and as reliable as him, that drives very high standards.
There is absolutely no doubt that he is in the team and starting XI never mind the squad. He is one of England’s untouchables.
Bukayo Saka scored and assisted in England's World Cup qualification games
Bukayo Saka scored and assisted in England's World Cup qualification games
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Declan Rice
His mistake - albeit a very rare one - gifted Tottenham an equaliser and that made it a more average game than a standout for Arsenal’s midfield kingpin. You could see his determination and desire to put things right - and he did.
The biggest worry for England over Rice will be whether he will ever get tired or run out of energy. He plays so many games and he always plays with such heart, intensity and energy. What a player. He will surely be Arsenal’s Player of the Year and if Arsenal win the title then he should be Footballer of the Year.
He is absolutely stitched on for the England starting line-up. He is full of energy and power. He will be England’s driving force in the United States.
Declan Rice is expected to play a critical role in Thomas Tuchel's England squad
Declan Rice is expected to play a critical role in Thomas Tuchel's England squad
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Eberechi Eze
Wow. This was a game-changing performance. Two goals, a marauding display as he covered every blade of grass and one filled with quality. He is a No10 and revelled in the central role. Anything else is a compromise. Give him the opportunities - and he will take them.
He was good in the FA Cup against Wigan but then got dropped at Wolves when Arteta chose to use Bukayo Saka in the No10 role and picking a winger over Eze as the specialist felt like the lowest point. Fair play to Eze for then proving his point against Tottenham on Sunday.
It is going to be a really tight call because Eze has to be in the mix for the No10s rather than an either or for the left wingers and central players. But the No10 is a crowded market with Eze, Jude Bellingham, Morgan Rogers, Phil Foden, Cole Palmer and arguably even Morgan Gibbs-White. Only Bellingham and Rogers look guaranteed and there may only be one other place.
Mikel Arteta does not yet see Eberechi Eze as a guaranteed starter in his Arsenal squad
Mikel Arteta does not yet see Eberechi Eze as a guaranteed starter in his Arsenal squad
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Djed Spence
This was a struggle. He played at left wing back and Saka had him on toast as the saying goes. Very few chances to get forward because he was overwhelmed from a defensive point of view.
He looks every inch a player struggling for confidence in a struggling team. His chances of making the cut are fading by the week.
He was elevated to the squad in the first place by momentum and form. Without that momentum and a dip in form, he is losing ground fast. Even his bonus of filling either side no longer seems so relevant.
Djed Spence is yet to score or assist this season for Tottenham Hotspur
Djed Spence is yet to score or assist this season for Tottenham Hotspur
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Conor Gallagher
Could not get a handle on Arsenal’s midfield. Was left chasing shadows and, even though he was brought in to close down and try to frustrate, Gallagher just could not get a grip. Tottenham’s own version of the dogs of war lacked any bite.
Another who is struggling in a struggling team. Has made the team look marginally better but any player would struggle in this run of form.
He came back to the Premier League with the sole purpose of more regular games, to play in English football so he could get up to speed and the physicality needed for the World Cup. And so far it has been nowhere near the level required.
Conor Gallagher signed for Tottenham in the January transfer window in a deal worth £34m
Conor Gallagher signed for Tottenham in the January transfer window in a deal worth £34m
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Full England player ratings
Here’s John Cross’s latest ratings for how likely each player is to make the England squad (ranked out of 10)
The players are ranked in order in their positions.
Jordan Pickford: 10/10
Dean Henderson 8/10
Nick Pope 6/10
James Trafford 6/10
Aaron Ramsdale 3/10
Reece James 9/10
Trent Alexander-Arnold 7/10
Rico Lewis 4/10
Ben White 2/10
Nico O’Reilly 9/10
Lewis Hall 8/10
Tino Livramento 6/10
Luke Shaw 6/10
Djed Spence 5/10
Myles Lewis-Skelly 2/10
Jack Hinshelwood 2/10
Marc Guehi 9/10
Ezri Konsa 9/10
Jarell Quansah 8/10
Dan Burn 7/10
John Stones 6/10
Trevoh Chalobah 6/10
Harry Maguire 6/10
Jarrad Branthwaite 3/10
Levi Colwill 3/10
Declan Rice 9/10
Elliot Anderson 9/10
Jordan Henderson 9/10
Kobbie Mainoo 7/10
Curtis Jones 6/10
Adam Wharton 6/10
Morgan Gibbs-White 6/10
Conor Gallagher 4/10
Mason Mount 3/10
Ruben Loftus-Cheek 3/10
Bukayo Saka 9/10
Noni Madueke 7/10
Jarrod Bowen 7/10
Anthony Gordon 8/10
Marcus Rashford 8/10
Eberechi Eze 6/10
Morgan Rogers 9/10
Jude Bellingham 9/10
Phil Foden 7/10
Cole Palmer 7/10
Harry Kane 10/10
Ollie Watkins 8/10
Dominic Solanke 6/10
Danny Welbeck 6/10
Dominic Calvert-Lewin 6/10
Liam Delap 5/10
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