England enter the 2026 World Cup as a heavyweight contender, but the atmosphere within the squad is far from calm. Sixty years since their only title in 1966, the Three Lions swept through qualifying with a perfect record (eight wins, no goals conceded), becoming the first European team to secure their spot with two matches to spare. However, recent friendlies have been unconvincing, including losses to Senegal and Japan that left fans at Wembley unhappy.
German coach Thomas Tuchel has sparked controversy by omitting Cole Palmer, Phil Foden, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Harry Maguire from the final 26-man squad. In their place, he called up Ivan Toney (playing in Saudi Arabia), Djed Spence, the 35-year-old Jordan Henderson, and Jarell Quansah – nine of whom have never played in a major tournament. Tuchel explained: 'We selected the best team, not necessarily the 26 most talented individuals. Team spirit is key.'
His predecessor Gareth Southgate led England to the Euro final and the 2018 World Cup semifinals, but Tuchel has yet to improve the playing style. Experiments with a false nine or two No. 10s have not paid off. Nonetheless, the German tactician is still highly rated for his organizational skills and oversaw England’s clean sheets throughout qualifying.
Harry Kane remains the biggest hope. The 33-year-old striker just had his best season, scoring 61 goals in 51 matches for Bayern Munich, despite the team losing to PSG in the Champions League semifinals. He needs just two more goals to equal Gary Lineker’s record of 10 World Cup goals. Kane’s fitness after a long season is always a concern.
Jude Bellingham, Real Madrid’s star, is struggling with injuries and inconsistent form. Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers could take the starting No. 10 role. Meanwhile, 21-year-old Nico O’Reilly of Manchester City has emerged as a solution at left-back – England’s weak spot since Ashley Cole – with seven goals and three assists in the Premier League this season.
In Group L, England face Croatia (FIFA rank 11) in the opener on June 17 in Dallas, then Ghana (June 23, Boston) and Panama (June 27, New York). Croatia defeated England in the 2018 semifinals; Panama, ranked 33, won the CONCACAF Nations League; Ghana, though weaker, boast Antoine Semenyo and Mohammed Kudus.
Still, experts predict England will reach only the quarterfinals, leaving the big question: 'Is football coming home?' Probably not yet, but the English continue to wait.
