This article is part of the 2026 World Cup Experts’ Network, a collaboration among leading media organizations from the 48 qualified nations. In the lead-up to the tournament starting on June 11, previews are being published daily from three different countries.
Qualifying Success
England’s path to the World Cup was straightforward, as they achieved a perfect record with eight wins from eight matches, scoring 22 goals without conceding any. However, the quality of their opponents raises doubts about how the Three Lions will perform against stronger teams in knockout stages.
Enter Thomas Tuchel, who took over after Gareth Southgate’s tenure ended with multiple near misses. The German manager aims to lead England to its first World Cup victory in 60 years. At his introduction in October 2024, Tuchel expressed his ambition: “to try and put a second star on the shirt” Nonetheless, he remains realistic about the team’s chances this summer, stating, “We can’t be one of the favourites as we haven’t won it for so long,”
Group L Match Schedule
17 June v Croatia, Dallas (3pm local, 9pm BST, 18 June 6am AEST)
23 June v Ghana, Boston (4pm local, 9pm BST, 24 June 6am AEST)
27 June v Panama, New York/New Jersey (5pm local, 10pm BST, 28 June 7am AEST)
The lead-up to the tournament has seen its challenges. There were underwhelming performances against Andorra and Senegal last summer, but there were also encouraging displays. England thrives when united in purpose, and Tuchel has emphasized building a brotherhood among players. He has cultivated a positive culture within the squad, making bold selections by excluding Phil Foden, Cole Palmer, and Trent Alexander-Arnold while including Ivan Toney, showing he has established clarity.
Expect the team to adopt a 4-2-3-1 formation. With a wealth of attacking talent and numerous players capable of playing as No 10s, along with Declan Rice, who is regarded as one of the world’s best midfielders, England’s offense looks promising. However, there are concerns regarding defensive options and ongoing fitness issues with key players. Additionally, Tuchel’s management of Jude Bellingham will be crucial; if the Real Madrid star is in top form, he could be pivotal in England’s quest for the trophy.
Bellingham’s performance was vital as England secured comfortable warm-up victories against New Zealand and Costa Rica in Florida. “There are proven winners within the tournament. These are the favourites.” Tuchel remarked after the win against Costa Rica.
Coaching Dynamics
A German at the helm of the English team may seem unusual, yet Thomas Tuchel is an anglophile who understands the culture well and is recognized as one of the top managers globally. Having secured league titles with Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain, he further solidified his reputation by winning the Champions League with Chelsea in 2021, demonstrating his expertise in knockout formats. However, this tournament marks his debut in international management. Southgate was skilled at fostering the right atmosphere during tournaments; Tuchel, who has recently extended his contract until Euro 2028, faces the challenge of ensuring the weight of the shirt does not become burdensome.
Key Player
There were concerns regarding Harry Kane’s future with the England squad after his substitution during the loss to Spain in the Euro 2024 final. Despite struggling through that tournament, Kane remains the team’s driving force and captain. England’s performance heavily relies on their record goalscorer, and Tuchel needs him to be at his best. After another outstanding season at Bayern Munich, a successful World Cup could elevate Kane’s candidacy for the Ballon d’Or.
Emerging Talent
While England boasts numerous talented No 10s, Morgan Rogers has particularly impressed under Tuchel. The Aston Villa forward showcased his potential with a standout performance during the 5-0 victory over Serbia last September. Valued for his efforts both on and off the ball, Rogers’s counter-pressing is a quality Tuchel admires. This rising star, who describes himself as a football enthusiast, could find himself ahead of established names like Bellingham and Eberechi Eze in the selection order. “This will hopefully be an amazing experience,” he shared.
Hidden Gem
Declan Rice has long been a staple in midfield, but the question of who partners him has puzzled many. With Kalvin Phillips falling out of favor, Tuchel has found a promising option in Elliot Anderson. The Nottingham Forest midfielder has rapidly improved since his senior debut last September. Just before the tournament, Forest rejected a £122 million bid from Manchester City, and Anderson is now a guaranteed starter for England. “The way I was as a kid, I still think I’m that person now, wanting to show my freedom in the way I play,” Tuchel noted. “He is one of the best midfielders in the Premier League,”
Projected Starting XI
Fan Expectations
Fans should prepare for the rest of the world to misinterpret the phrase “That’s why he is with us and starting for us. He is a very complete and mobile midfielder.” as a light-hearted commentary on past failures. While England typically garners strong support during tournaments, this year’s event has sparked significant complaints about ticket prices. The Football Supporters’ Association labeled these costs as “scandalous,” and reports emerged in February indicating that England might not sell out their official allocation if they reach the final. Supporters have criticized the perceived greed, dubbing this the rip-off World Cup.
Political Landscape
With the royal family recently visiting the U.S., there’s speculation about President Trump singing “God Save The King” before England matches. Although Trump’s relationship with the UK government is tense, the FA is unlikely to engage in political matters, having previously remained neutral during the last World Cup in Qatar. The focus will likely remain on football, as the FA has not been very vocal in advocating for fans regarding ticket pricing.
