The 2026 World Cup is drawing ever closer. Three Lions fans will be optimistic for England’s chances this year with Thomas Tuchel’s side 4th in the FIFA world rankings, and coming off the back of another major final appearance. Could that 60 year wait for a major trophy be nearing an end?
We’ve drafted a list of the players that could make a difference this summer, six names, old and new, that should be classed as ones to watch for the tournament.
Harry Kane – England Appearances -112 – Goals – 78
The obvious player to watch, is England’s front man, captain and all time top scorer, Harry Kane. Kane has taken his game to a different level this season, scoring 54 goals in just 47 games for Bayern Munich so far. Kane has already won the Bundesliga title and will be many pundits pick for this year’s Balon D’or. Kane is no stranger to the World cup, winning the tournament’s Golden Boot in 2018, as England crashed out in the semis. No player in Europe has scored more goals than Kane this season, who claimed his 500th career goal this year. Kane is one of the world’s elite strikers and will be feared by every opponent.
Pessimistic fans might have some worries. Kane may be set to play the Champions League Final in Budapest on 30 May, giving him a significantly smaller period of time to rest than most of the squad before the World Cup Finals. An injured Kane damaged Tottenham’s chances of a Champions League title in 2019, so fans should keep a close eye on his fitness with Bayern as the season progresses.
Jude Bellingham England Appearances – 46 – Goals – 6
England’s new poster boy, Bellingham wrote himself into English folklore with his last minute bicycle kick against Slovakia in 2024. Bellingham made his way from Birmingham city to Real Madrid’s first team, where he won the double in 2024, claiming both the La Liga and Champions League title. Bellingham’s image has skyrocketed, he’s proven in the pressure moments and is still just 22, the Birmingham born galactico came third in the Balon D’or rankings in 2024.
That being said, this has not been Bellingham or Real Madrid’s year. He will finish the season trophyless for a second year in a row, with his personal stats dropping significantly. Bellingham scored 23 goals in the 2023/24 season, but this year has only managed six. He hasn’t scored for England for almost two years. Bellingham performs best in the highest pressure moments, but will be desperate maintain his image as the face of the national team, and reignite some form.
Morgan Rodgers – England Appearances 13 – Goals – 1
One of the Premier League’s breakthrough stars over the last couple of years, Rodgers now has his chance to prove himself on the international stage. The former Manchester City prospect has found his feet at Aston Villa, and proved a key part in the side’s European push this season. Pundits have waxed lyrical about the Villa starlet. Andy Hinchcliffe said “He can turn a game in a split second, the way he manipulates that ball out of his feet to take it is outstanding and then his strike is simply stunning.” Rodgers has 14 g/a from midfield this season, and is one of the premier league’s most creative prospects.
Concerns have been raised over Rodger’s fatigue. He has played 58 games already this season, potentially rising to 70 if he features throughout England’s World Cup campaign. And that’s if he plays. Tuchel has a tough decision to make on who starts in the 10, could it be Rodgers, Bellingham, Palmer, or maybe even someone else.
Jarrod Bowen – England Appearances 22- Goals 1
Jarrod Bowen has been the face of West Ham United for years now, scoring a last minute winner to clinch the club’s first title in 40 years and captaining the side following the departure of Declan Rice. Despite West Ham’s poor form this season, Bowen’s numbers haven’t dropped, as he has registered more goals and assists than any other English player this year in the Premier League. Whilst Bowen has only scored once for England, his frequent selection shows he is a highly rated by management, and seen as an essential part of the squad.
The only question is will he play. Most of Bowen’s England appearances have been off the bench, and many fans will prefer the option of Saka, or Palmer on the right, but Bowen has outperformed them both this season, and will be desperate for his big break in a three lions shirt.
Kobbie Mainoo – England Appearances 12 – Goals – 0
Kobbie Mainoo made headlines as he became the third youngest player to start for England at Euro 2024, with his performances in the tournament earning him spot in the final. Mainoo, who is just 21, is adored by Man United fans, especially after scoring a winner in an FA cup final against bitter rivals Manchester City. Gary Neville said: “It looks like he’s got the world at his feet for the next 10 years.” The young midfielder is extremely comfortable on the ball, and has proved a key part of United’s recent surge in form.
Mainoo has only started 13 games this season however. The midfielder was not favoured by Ex-United boss Ruben Amorim who had him frozen out of the squad. Mainoo is back at the centre of United now, but is he ready to start a World cup final, having played so few minutes this year?
Nico O’Reilly – England Appearances 3 – Goals – 0
O’Reilly may have not played much for England, but the young midfielder has to be one of the first names on the team sheet for the 2026 World Cup. O’Reilly has broken into a stacked Man City squad this year, getting serious minutes, despite the Citizens hosting talent like Cherki, Silva, Nico Gonzales Nunes and Rodri. O’Reilly can play at fullback or in midfield, and has a keen eye for goal, scoring 9 this season, including an emphatic double in the League Cup Final, despite being just 21 years of age.
Some fans may question O’Reilly’s experience, only boasting three caps and with just 41 Premier League appearances across his entire career, but with serious questions over England’s left back position, with Luke Shaw’s fitness concerns, and Saka being more adaptable on the Wing, he should prove a strong option for Tuchel.