World Cup 2026: England's predicted lineup vs Mexico

GK - Jordan Pickford

Despite conceding a cheap goal at his near post against DR Congo, Jordan Pickford remains Thomas Tuchel's #1, and it'd be a huge shock to see him left out of the starting XI here.

With 88 caps to his name, the Everton keeper has the experience to brush off the mistake, and considering his remarkable clean sheet record for his country (46 clean sheets in 88 games), he'll be keeping the shirt in the RO16.

RB - Ezri Konsa

England's right-hand side raised a few eyebrows last week, with Djed Spence failing to have any real impact on the game - so we're predicting a bold move from Thomas Tuchel, with Ezri Konsa moving over to right-back.

Reece James is unlikely to be fit enough to start, and with Spence being subbed off at 1-0 down against DR Congo, the Spurs man may well be out of luck in Mexico City. Ezri Konsa has deputised at full-back before, and in an eye-catching call, we're tipping him to be named there again.

CB - John Stones

With Konsa shifting to the right, Ladbrokes is predicting that John Stones will return to the starting lineup for the first time since England's Group L opener, bringing a wealth of experience to the Three Lions backline.

Stones has only played a minute since that victory over Croatia in the middle of June, so may not be at his sharpest, but on a day where England will hope to have long spells of possession, his composure could make him an excellent addition to the team.

CB - Marc Guehi

Alongside Stones will be his Manchester City teammate, Marc Guehi, who has played every minute of England's last three, keeping two clean sheets in the process - which puts the Three Lions in excellent stead as they look to reach a first World Cup final since 1966.

A key part of England's defence for a good couple of years now, Guehi is no stranger to big games - for club and country - so won't be fazed by the roaring atmosphere, and will bring a calmness to England's play that can only help them.

LB - Nico O'Reilly

Having started three of England's four games this summer, Nico O'Reilly has established himself as his country's left-back with little fuss, and he seems an obvious pick to start again in Mexico.

The Man City youngster continues to have an impact at both ends of the pitch, looking assured beyond his years, and offers excellent balance as a left-footed full-back behind right-footed wingers - so we expect him to get the nod again.

CM - Declan Rice

As the tournament progresses, the England XI is likely to get simpler and simpler to predict, and in Declan Rice, you couldn't get much closer to a guaranteed starter - wherever that may be on the pitch.

The Arsenal man filled in at right-back for the last 20 minutes in the RO32 to allow Eberechi Eze to enter the fray, but we're backing him to be back in his natural midfield role from the start here, making things tick and protecting his back four as only he can do.

CM - Elliot Anderson

Next to Rice is the most expensive British footballer of all time, with Manchester City's new signing, Elliot Anderson, continuing to show why he's rated so highly.

The 23-year-old has started every game at the 2026 World Cup so far, and has quickly become a crucial figure in the middle of the park, with his progressive passing and combative style making him the perfect all-rounder to complement Rice - so he'll be in the XI again here.

RW - Bukayo Saka

In what would be a huge boost for the nation, we're predicting Bukayo Saka to get the nod and start just his second game of the summer, coming in for the underwhelming Noni Madueke.

Saka got half an hour against DR Congo as he slowly gears up to playing more of a part, and with the tournament really starting to heat up, it feels like this is the time to get him back into the fold - so we're tipping the 24-year-old to start.

CAM - Jude Bellingham

The pre-tournament debate of Jude Bellingham vs Morgan Rogers feels a long time ago now, with the Real Madrid man showing time and time again why he's considered one of the best in the world - and with the level of performances he's putting in, Tuchel simply can't leave him out.

The 23-year-old has scored two and assisted one of England's eight goals this summer, and brings so much quality all over the pitch, so he'll be ready to control the game in Mexico. When England need a hero, it's so often him, so Jude Bellingham will start again in the Round of 16.

LW - Anthony Gordon

After coming on with half an hour to play against DR Congo and setting up both of Harry Kane's goals, Anthony Gordon has certainly done enough to reclaim his place in England's starting lineup for this one, with Marcus Rashford dropping back to the bench.

The new Barcelona signing looked electric last week, and with his decision making proving so effective in the final third, it seems likely that the former Newcastle winger will be starting a World Cup knockout game for the first time - hoping to bag his first-ever World Cup goal for good measure.

ST - Harry Kane

Finally, Harry Kane will start up top again for England, with the talismanic skipper looking to score his 14th World Cup goal and move ahead of Just Fontaine in the all-time top goalscorer charts.

Recently priced as the 2026 Ballon d'Or favourite, Kane is setting the standard for footballers all over the world, with the 32-year-old becoming just the second man in history to score 70 goals in a single season - and you simply don't drop a man in that kind of form.

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All odds and market details are accurate as of the time of publication.

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