We’re all awaiting the start of the 2026 World Cup – as England’s preparations are being finalised, who will make it into their starting XI at the tournament?
Today, we’ll pick our England XI ahead of the World Cup – of course, the competition is still a few months away, so the actual XI may look very different to this one.
GK: Jordan Pickford
This is an absolute no-brainer. Jordan Pickford has been in phenomenal form for Everton this season – no other English goalkeepers have been able to touch him.
Pickford has been England’s number one for well over half a decade now – we can’t find a good reason to depose him from his perch.
RB: Reece James
Previously, this spot may have gone to Trent Alexander-Arnold, but Reece James can’t be passed over when you consider the form he has been in this season.
Chelsea have had a campaign filled with peaks and valleys, but James has been a consistently strong performer throughout as their team captain. Such leadership can only pay dividends towards the Three Lions’ success in North America.
CB: Ezri Konsa
Ezri Konsa has never played at a World Cup – nonetheless, we feel he’ll be able to make the step up. He has been an heroic defender for Aston Villa this season, making a plethora of strong blocks and successful aerial duels.
He has played in all but one of Villa’s Premier League games this season and has taken the armband on a couple of occasions. In terms of in-form players, there aren’t many performing better than Konsa at the moment.
CB: Marc Guehi
Marc Guehi’s move from Crystal Palace to Manchester City was highly publicised – he has shored up the Sky Blues’ defence practically overnight.
Guehi has been a first-team member of the England squad for a few years now – as he is currently in the form of his life, there is no reason to drop him.