Which outsiders could make the England 2026 World Cup squad?

With some surprising selections in Tuchel's first squad, including Jordan Henderson and Dan Burn, who might be some of the unexpected names in the World Cup squad? Let's have a look.

Arguably unlucky to have been left out of Thomas Tuchel's most recent squad, Anderson has been a revelation since his PSR-induced move from Newcastle United to Nottingham Forest last summer. It is surely only a matter of time before his England debut.

The Geordie played a key role in England Under-21s' winning Euros campaign and he was an integral part of Forest's superb season, excelling in both an advanced and deeper midfield role. With a lack of options in the latter area in particular, Anderson could even be in line to start in 2026.

Jobe, the younger brother of Jude, has thrived in an exciting young Sunderland team that secured promotion from the Championship. Still only 19 years old, the younger Bellingham has already made over 100 senior appearances and is attracting interest from top clubs.

Whether on Wearside or elsewhere, Jobe will be playing in the top flight next season. That would give him the platform to showcase his talents and really grab the attention of Thomas Tuchel. He has decided to follow in his brother's footsteps and join Borussia Dortmund.

Tomori's name is one that frequently comes up amongst fans, but is seemingly continually overlooked by coaches. After making his England debut in 2019, the AC Milan defender still only has 5 caps.

Perhaps playing in Serie A has harmed his chances, but he has often been linked with a return to England. Tomori is quick, comfortable on the ball and can fill in at full-back, so he definitely shouldn't be ruled out.

Since December, only Mo Salah and Alexander Isak have more goal contributions in the Premier League than Jacob Murphy. The Newcastle right winger is in the form of his life, but he will need to maintain that if he wants to be on the plane.

There will be plenty of competition in his position, and Murphy will be 31 when the tournament kicks off, but Tuchel has shown with his selection of Dan Burn that he is more than happy to give an experienced professional a reward for his hard work.

Nwaneri became the youngest footballer in Premier League history when he made his debut for Arsenal aged just 15 years and 181 days. Now 18, he burst onto the scene in 2024/25 after Bukayo Saka's injury.

He is able to play on the wing or in midfield, and looks set to take a big step forward next season with even more regular game time. The goal for him is to emulate Arsenal teammate and childhood friend Miles Lewis-Skelly, whose sensational rise has seen him win caps and score for England.

The Crystal Palace man has been one of the most consistent full-backs in the league for the last few seasons. He is comfortable in a back four and back three, starting 30 games in each of the last four seasons, and has kept Ben Chilwell out the team since his arrival on loan from Chelsea.

The emergence of Lewis-Skelly and Lewis Hall this year may have damaged his chances slightly, with a problem position now seemingly solved for the foreseeable future. But injuries and form can change the situation in a heartbeat, and Mitchell has shown he is highly dependable.

Delap has been one of the breakout stars of the Premier League this season, scoring 12 goals for relegated Ipswich Town in his maiden top-flight campaign.

The 22 year old has joined Chelsea after they triggered a £30m release clause in his contract, and that makes a senior call-up even more likely. Behind Harry Kane, there is no clear pecking order up front. Could Delap force his way into the mix?

The Leeds academy product was thrown in at the deep end at Spurs last season, with their various injury crises meaning he has appeared at centre back, full back and in his more natural midfield role.

That versatility could prove vital in the long run, and help him press his case for a wildcard spot in the World Cup squad. Still only 19 years old, the 2024 Championship Young Player of the Year has plenty of time to prove he was worth the reported £35m that Tottenham paid for him.

The Burnley goalkeeper would appear to be a good bet to make the World Cup squad, given he was included in Tuchel's initial selection and actually was included in the matchday squad ahead of Aaron Ramsdale. Trafford was the hero of England U21s' European Championship victory in 2023, but struggled in his debut Premier League campaign.

However, he was in record-breaking form with the Clarets last term, as part of a unit that conceded just 16 goals in 46 games in the Championship and at one point kept 10 clean sheets in a row. Trafford has completed a summer switch to former club Manchester City.

The 20-year-old Borussia Dortmund winger had a great season in Germany, with 49 appearances and 12 goals in all competitions. He is the latest English talent to shine in Black and Yellow, following the path laid by Jadon Sancho and Jude Bellingham.

Gittens is now familiar with the England set-up with 11 U21 caps, so a senior call-up looks set to follow. The youngster already has 5 Champions League goals in his short career, and is the subject of transfer interest from Chelsea.

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