World Cup 2026: Ladbrokes' writers predict the England squad
Ladbrokes' team of writers each run through the 26-man squad they think England should take to the 2026 World Cup this summer.
England head to the States as one of the favourites, with the Three Lions trying to to bring football home for the first time since their only World Cup win in 1966.
Notable omissions include the likes of Phil Foden and Trent Alexander-Arnold, with disagreements over Jordan Henderson's inclusion.
With the final international break until his summer's tournament coming to an end, Ladbrokes' team of writers each run through the England squad they think Thomas Tuchel should pick for the 2026 World Cup.
It's far from clear cut who is going to be on the plane to America for England this summer, as evidenced by the fact that Tuchel picked 35 players for his final set of friendlies before the World Cup this month.
It's clear that the Three Lions' boss wanted to test out various combinations and players before making his final selection, but after a draw against Uruguay and a XXX against Japan, the picture is becoming clearer.
Ladbrokes' team of writers have each been tasked with coming up with their ideal England 2026 World Cup squad, which you can see below.
England 2026 World Cup squad predictions
Harvey's England squad
Goalkeepers - Jordan Pickford, Dean Henderson, James Trafford
Defenders - Reece James, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Tino Livramento, Harry Maguire, John Stones, Marc Guehi, Ezri Konsa, Lewis Hall, Nico O'Reilly
Midfielders - Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton, Kobbie Mainoo, Jordan Henderson, Jude Bellingham, Morgan Rogers, Cole Palmer
Attackers - Anthony Gordon, Marcus Rashford, Noni Madueke, Harry Kane, Ivan Toney, Bukayo Saka
The keepers pick themselves in my opinion. James Trafford is going to be England's keeper for the next decade or so, so taking him for more top-stage experience makes sense.
Speaking of experience, both John Stones and Harry Maguire make it into my team due to their international tournament pedigree, coupled with their threat from set pieces.
Nico O'Reilly and Lewis Hall battle it out for the left-back slot, with Trent Alexander-Arnold taken. Despite his defensive limitations, Trent's ability on the ball, and his knack for winning matches on his own, are worth the risk in knockout football.
Jordan Henderson joins the midfield core, clearly as someone that Tuchel values off the pitch, as well as in the latter stages of matches. His performances for Brentford in the Premier League this season shouldn't be discounted too. James Garner is very unlucky to be omitted, with Kobbie Mainoo picked instead.
Noni Madueke is chosen as the back-up right winger, given his relationship with Bukayo Saka at Arsenal. Marcus Rashford and Anthony Gordon are both picked ahead of Ebereci Eze, Jarrod Bowen and Phil Foden, all of whom can consider themselves unlucky to miss out.
Ivan Toney is given the nod as Harry Kane's deputy due to his ability from the penalty spot, the similar profile he has to Kane, and the fact that he's averaging over a goal a game in Saudi Arabia this season.
