In our weekly series, The Mirror’s Chief Football Writer John Cross rates his England players after Thomas Tuchel’s men’s final friendlies at Wembley – and gives his verdict on the 26-man squad.
Thomas Tuchel didn’t get the results he wanted – but the World Cup picture looks a lot clearer now.
Tuchel has named a separate 35-man squad for the final two games at Wembley against Uruguay and Japan. And, frankly, if you haven’t made that list without a good reason… then you probably aren’t anywhere.
So, it has at least allowed us to narrow down our chances and World Cup rankings with a few notable exceptions.
Reece James was injured and the Chelsea defender is undoubtedly one of Tuchel’s favorites and, if fit, will start at the back.
Tuchel clarified the midfield issue… Marc Guehi, Ezri Konsa, John Stones and Trevoh Chalobah (injured this time) are ahead of Harry Maguire. Maguire was superb against Uruguay, and should have stepped it up even further with a personal and honest campaign.
JOIN US ON FACEBOOK! Latest news, analysis and much more on the Mirror Football Facebook page
READ MORE: Former England boss urges Harry Maguire to consider WINNING World Cup call-upREAD MORE: Six top players to MISS the 2026 World Cup including the 675-goal machine and £62m star.
Dan Burn didn’t get a name check but we know Tuchel likes him as a player, he has a big presence and can be a threat from set-pieces.
Ben White made his England debut for three-and-a-half years and was hero and villain as he was brought on against Uruguay. White scored, took the penalty but still got through it all. He didn’t play well against Japan in the second game but he showed that he can play at centre-back, on the right and, from a position where he had no chance, he now has a chance.
He can certainly go down as a big winner from this camp along with Marcus Rashford who started against Uruguay and came on and made an impact off the bench against Japan. Lewis Hall also came on and did well as a substitute against Japan.
The first game felt like a test for several players. James Garner excelled against Uruguay and certainly gave himself a chance. He looked busy, excelling on the ball and Tuchel even called him England’s “mini Valverde”.
Dom Solanke has divided opinion but I thought he picked the ball up, placed it well and was good all round. Dominic Calvert-Lewin missed a huge opportunity – in every sense. I still think Ollie Watkins should be in the picture as Harry Kane’s backup. Danny Welbeck is playing well enough.
But of all the players, we had to look at Phil Foden who didn’t take a chance in any of the games – and was caught before the hour mark twice.
Foden started at center as No10 in the first game and was a false nine in the second. He didn’t work out and, sadly, it looked like he could be the biggest casualty of the summer.
Instead of judging every performance, we’ll pick the big winners, losers and pick our team and starting XI.
Winners
- Harry Kane – England looked lost without him
- Marcus Rashford
- Harry Maguire
- James Garner
- Ben White
- Danny Welbeck – Absence makes the heart grow fonder
- Jude Bellingham – You understand his value when England miss him
Losers
- Phil Foot
- Djed Spence
- Get to Tomori
England Player Ratings – Their chances of making the flight
After the disappointment of two friendlies, it’s a look at how things stand in the relevant positions – those in flight, those still with work to do and those facing World Cup heartbreak.
Goalkeepers
- Jordan Pickford 10
- Dean Henderson 9
- James Trafford 8
- Aaron Ramsdale 7
- Jason Steele 6
Defenders
- Marc Guéhi 10
- Ezri Konsa 9
- John Stones 8
- And Burn 7
- Trevoh Chalobah 6
- Harry Maguire 6
- Jarell Quansah 6
- Fikayo Tomori 4
Right backs
- See James 9
- Tino Livramento 8
- Ben White 7
Left back
- Lewis Hall 8
- Nico O’Reilly 8
- Djed Spence 6
Midfielders
- Declan Rice 9
- Elliot Anderson 9
- Jordan Henderson 7
- Kobbie Mainoo 7
- James Garner 7
- Adam Wharton 6
- Alex Scott 5
No. 10s
- Morgan Rogers 9
- Jude Bellingham 9
- Cole Palmer 8
- The Lord’s Grace 7
- Phil Foden 6
Right wings
- Bukayo Saka 9
- Jarrod Bowen 7
- Now Maduek 7
My left wing
- Marcus Rashford 8
- Anthony Gordon 8
The invaders
- Harry Kane 10
- Ollie Watkins 7
- Dominic Calvert-Lewin 6
- Dominic Solanke 6
- Danny Welbeck 6
England’s 2026 World Cup fixtures
Different prices
Scotland Official Store
Shop Now at England Official Store
England and Nike have announced a new home, away and goal kit that will be worn at this summer’s FIFA World Cup. You can get free delivery on all orders with the code: ENGFREEDEL
MY VICTIM
3 WITCHES: Jordan Pickford, Dean Henderson, James Traford.
CONTRIBUTORS 8: Reece James, Ezri Konsa, Marc Guehi, Tino Livramento, John Stones, Harry Maguire, Nico O’Reilly, Lewis Hall.
MIDFIELD 7: Jude Bellingham, Elliot Anderson, Morgan Rogers, Declan Rice, James Garner, Alex Scott, Kobbie Mainoo.
ENDS 8: Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Gordon, Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke, Cole Palmer, Ollie Watkins, Jarrod Bowen.
My England starting XI: Pickford; James, Konsa, Guehi, O’Reilly; Anderson, Rice; Saka, Bellingham, Rashford; Kane.
Do you agree with John Cross? Have your say on our England Squad Slider – in or out – below
Become our new WhatsApp member and get your daily dose of Mirror Soccer news. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions and promotions from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you are curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
#England #Player #Ratings #26man #World #Cup #squad #predicted #Wembley #woes