It was a pretty flawless qualifying campaign for England as they finished top of Group K with 24 points from 24. Thomas Tuchel's Three Lions also conceded an eye-catching zero goals across that period, thus cementing themselves among the leading favourites ahead of the 2026 World Cup in North America next summer.
With a spot in the tournament now set in stone, England – whose first (and only!) World Cup triumph came 60 years ago in 1966 – will be looking to end their six-decade-long drought by batting off the competition from France, Spain, Argentina and the like to reign supreme. But which players will be crucial to Tuchel?
Krumbach-born Tuchel, who was appointed by the Football Association (FA) as Gareth Southgate's successor after an unsuccessful Euro 2024, has not been afraid to show that no player is deemed indispensable by keeping things fresh international break-by-international break, but he'll soon be having to think about his starting XI.
Over the years, having reached back-to-back finals of the European Championships, the well-stacked Three Lions have run the risk of becoming international nearlymen – but, as they attempt to buck that trend in 2026, which five players will certainly be in his maiden starting XI of the tournament? Spoiler alert: Jude Bellingham doesn't feature.
Jordan Pickford
With Dean Henderson, Nick Pope and the like performing for their respective clubs, there has been plenty of talk about how secure Jordan Pickford's spot is on the international stage – but the Washington-born stopper has no need to worry. In truth, he's seldom put a glove wrong for the Three Lions in 81 outings and, across that time, between 2017 and 2025, he's kept a more-than-impressive tally of 43 clean sheets.
Pickford's recent clean sheet against Latvia – the 31-year-old's ninth in a row on the international stage – saw him break the record held by Gordon Banks and, with England looking to end their long-standing trophy drought, experience will be equally key to ability. Luckily, the Everton glovesman possesses both in abundance. A change in England's goalkeeping department just isn't necessary. At all.
Jordan Pickford – England Statistics
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Marc Guehi
John Stones and Harry Maguire of Manchester City and Manchester United, respectively, have often been the central defensive partnership entrusted by Gareth Southgate over the years – but neither are covering themselves with glory at club level. Crystal Palace skipper Marc Guehi, who led his team to FA Cup glory last term, certainly is and his international displays, too, have confirmed his spot on the plane.
Even further, it would come as a surprise to see Guehi – who came through Chelsea's academy before moving to Selhurst Park in the summer of 2021 – not in the heart of Tuchel's back line as they kick off their campaign thanks to his blend of defensive awareness and leadership qualities. Who will partner him, from Stones to Ezri Konsa, is one of the many issues to sort ahead of the World Cup though.
Marc Guehi – England Statistics
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Declan Rice
Tuchel and his entourage need to sort out their midfield conundrum. Either one of Adam Wharton or Elliot Anderson are expected to win over the German ahead of next summer's international showpiece and which player will make the No.10 berth their own also remains unknown as things stand. But Arsenal's Declan Rice, who is a 72-cap England international at the age of 26, will be there of course.
Widely regarded as one of the best midfielders on the planet, Rice's combination of defensive awareness and forward-thinking prowess means there are very few players in England's squad as well-rounded. The midfielder's contribution in all areas of the pitch, especially from set-piece situations, makes him an essential piece to Tuchel's puzzle – and his engine room expertise, for club and country, could be equally important.
Declan Rice – England Statistics
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Bukayo Saka
A creative genius for England on the right-hand side, Bukayo Saka may not boast the electric pace needed for Harry Kane (more on him soon!) to thrive to the best of his ability, but the way he can carve chances out of thin air allows him to complement any player around him – and that is key considering England's ongoing right-back conundrum. A goal threat, too, he has scored 14 goals for his nation.
The tricky 24-year-old's role, which combines stretching play and creating space for himself and others to occupy, allows England to tick in a front-footed manner by making things happen. With the ball at his feet, it seems as if it's only a matter of time until something magic happens. On the left flank, there is a much trickier problem to sort – but Saka has doubtlessly nailed down the right-wing berth as his own.
Bukayo Saka – England Statistics
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Harry Kane
In the sharpshooting form of his life, Harry Kane is doubtlessly the choice at the sharp end of the pitch. Not only has the London-born talisman proved his ability to bag goals for fun, but there are very few aspects of centre-forward mastery that he hasn't perfected. He can drop deeper to link the play between midfield and attack and his passing is also second to none – perhaps the best among his fellow countrymen.
England's all-time top goalscorer with 76 strikes in 111 outings, Kane has reached an age where strikers usually begin to taper off. But since his move to Bayern Munich, the former Tottenham Hotspur man – whose 'investment' in matches has been praised by Tuchel – has plundered 137 goal involvements (108 goals and 29 assists) in 113 outings, thus proving that his goal-getting exploits are showing minimal signs of slowing down.
Harry Kane – England Statistics
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All statistics per Transfermarkt – correct as of 17/11/2025