England have already booked their place at the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States, with Thomas Tuchel’s side looking impressive during the qualifying stages.
The Three Lions haven’t even conceded a single goal in the six wins that have guaranteed their place on the biggest stage, and attention will soon turn to who will be on the plane trying to win England’s first World Cup since 1966.
|
England’s record at World Cups since 1966 |
|
|---|---|
|
1970 |
Quarter-finals |
|
1974 |
Did not qualify |
|
1978 |
Did not qualify |
|
1982 |
Second group stage |
|
1986 |
Quarter-finals |
|
1990 |
Fourth place |
|
1994 |
Did not qualify |
|
1998 |
Round of 16 |
|
2002 |
Quarter-finals |
|
2006 |
Quarter-finals |
|
2010 |
Round of 16 |
|
2014 |
Group stage |
|
2018 |
Fourth place |
|
2022 |
Quarter-finals |
Although some stars are guaranteed to be on their way to North America, such as captain Harry Kane, Tuchel still has a lot to think about between now and June.
Of course, a lot could change between now and the summer, however, here are Chat GPT’s predictions on who will be in England’s 26-man squad in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
Goalkeepers
Jordan Pickford, Dean Henderson, James Trafford
Provided he remains injury-free, Jordan Pickford is expected to remain England’s number one in 2026 for the ninth consecutive year.
According to ChatGPT, Crystal Palace’s Dean Henderson and Man City’s James Trafford will replace the Everton star.
Defenders
Trent Alexander-Arnold, Reece James, Myles Lewis-Skelly, John Stones, Marc Guehi, Ezri Konsa, Dan Burn
One of the big decisions Tuchel made early on was to drop Trent Alexander-Arnold, however, Chat GPT believes the Real Madrid right-back will regain his place in the 26.
Chelsea’s Reece James and Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly are the other full-back options, with John Stones, Marc Guehi, Ezri Konsa and Dan Burn at centre-back.
Tottenham’s Djed Spence was a regular in Tuchel’s side, however, there is no place for the full-back in the 26.
midfielder
Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice, Adam Wharton, Elliot Anderson, Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers, Eberechi Eze
Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson are regulars in Tuchel’s midfield and could form the partnership to start the World Cup campaign, supported by Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton.
Further afield, Jude Bellingham is expected to return to the team after recently being ruled out due to fitness concerns.
Chelsea, Arsenal and Aston Villa stars Cole Palmer, Eberechi Eze and Morgan Rogers make up the seven-man midfielder squad, with no place for Morgan Gibbs-White or Jordan Henderson.
Attackers
When they come in, during the day, they eat food, like breath, but the hat is spinning outside.
Interestingly, ChatGPT believes Tuchel will opt for just one centre-forward, captain Harry Kane. Marcus Rashford could also play centrally if needed and his ‘resurgence in form’ at Barcelona sees him included.
Meanwhile, Anthony Gordon’s “increasing importance” under Tuchel sees him included, alongside Arsenal stars Bukayo Saka and Noni Madueke and Man City ace Phil Foden.
Notable exclusions from Chat GPT’s forward line include Jarrod Bowen and Ollie Watkins.
