Home of football statistics and historyEngland will head into the 2026 FIFA Would Cup with their sights set on ending a 60-year wait to lift the prestigious trophy.
The Three Lions’ only previous success in the tournament was on home soil in 1966, but they are one of the favourites to lift the trophy this summer.
The Three Lions kick-off their 2026 World Cup campaign against Croatia before facing Ghana and Panama in their final two group games.
While England should be good enough to progress to the round of 32, it would be a brave move to back them to go all the way. Read on as we assess their chances of winning the World Cup.
First-choice defence must steer clear of injuries
England did not concede a goal during the qualification process, but will undoubtedly face much tougher tests in North America.
Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford has generally been reliable at international level, giving England a useful foundation to work from.
First-choice back-four Reece James, Nico O’Reilly, John Stones and Marc Guehi are hugely talented, and have the ability to keep top teams at bay.
However, James and Stones have found it tough to steer clear of injuries and need to stay fit if England are to have any chance of lifting the trophy.
Midfield looks light on creative quality
While manager Thomas Tuchel is renowned for central midfield pragmatism, adopting that approach could prevent England from winning the World Cup.
Elliot Anderson and Declan Rice are functional rather than spectacular, and that factor will likely hinder England’s chances against better teams.
Tuchel’s decision to include Jordan Henderson sparked outrage amongst the fanbase, particularly as it resulted in Adam Wharton being omitted from the squad.
The Three Lions do not have another player with the ability to spot passes like Wharton, and Tuchel may ultimately regret leaving him at home.
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Attacking quality gives England a chance
Tuchel’s decision to leave out several talented attacking players also raised plenty of eyebrows amongst the nation’s fanbase.
Phil Foden and Cole Palmer were omitted after inconsistent seasons with their clubs, yet England still have an array of excellent attackers at their disposal.
They include Anthony Gordon and Bukayo Saka, who will be expected to create plenty of chances for all-time leading goalscorer Harry Kane.
Ivan Toney and Ollie Watkins are amongst an excellent supporting cast, giving England several different ways they can win games this summer.
Tough route makes life difficult for England
If England could face Norway, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina and Spain in the knockout stage if they win their group or Colombia, Spain, Belgium, France and Argentina if they finish second.
Whichever route they head down, the Three Lions’ pathway to the final is stacked with potential banana skins.
Although they possess one of the stronger squads in the tournament, you would be hard-pressed to imagine them matching top sides such as Spain, France or Argentina.
While winning the World Cup is not beyond the realms of possibility with a bit of luck, common sense tells us that England will suffer more heartache this summer.
England World Cup squad
Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), James Trafford (Manchester City).
Defenders: Dan Burn (Newcastle United), Marc Guehi (Manchester City), Reece James (Chelsea), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Tino Livramento (Newcastle United), Nico O’Reilly (Manchester City), Jarell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen), Djed Spence (Tottenham Hotspur), John Stones (Manchester City).
Midfielders: Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Eberechi Eze (Arsenal), Jordan Henderson (Brentford), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa).
Forwards: Anthony Gordon (Newcastle United), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Noni Madueke (Arsenal), Marcus Rashford (Manchester United), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Ivan Toney (Al-Ahli), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa).
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