England World Cup starting 11: Predicted lineup and tactics for Mexico

Harry Kane was England’s saviour in their Round of 32 clash with DR Congo. The Three Lions were on the brink of another nightmare tournament exit similar to that against Iceland ten years ago until the captain’s match-saving and match-winning contributions.

England had already had a few highs and lows throughout their three group games, but ultimately did take seven points from nine and topped the section. They’ve now booked a date with co-hosts Mexico, in the Azteca, in the early hours of Monday morning in what is a mouthwatering prospect of a World Cup knockout tie.

Thomas Tuchel’s squad selection, and team selection, for and during this World Cup has sparked fierce debate. For long spells of the DR Congo game, it looked as though he’d be rueing leaving the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Phil Foden and Cole Palmer at home. Eventually, it was substitute Anthony Gordon – who had underwhelmed as a starter – who made the impact that was needed off the bench, providing both assists for Kane.

The former Chelsea and Bayern Munich coach has favoured an attacking 4-2-3-1, with Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson anchoring the midfield. The former was rested in the Panama game after picking up a knock, but seems ok to tackle these knockout games.

No one has performed particularly well in the wide positions. Noni Madueke and Marcus Rashford started against DR Congo, and both were hooked half way through the second half. England have also toiled against Ghana and Panama to create much from the wings.

Check out our latest World Cup match betting tips and predictions ahead of today’s games

England starting 11 and World Cup 2026 squad: key takeaways

• Saka is playing his way back into contention after his injury – the Arsenal winger has been managing an Achilles issue since March, sustained in the Carabao Cup final against Manchester City. He missed seven games for the Gunners and had his minutes carefully managed through the run-in. He started the Panama game – and provided an assist – but still doesn’t quite look 100%
• Madueke’s importance has grown – with Saka unable to play a major role so far, Madueke’s value to this England squad has increased significantly. He started the first two games, plus the DR Congo game, and has generally looked the more dangerous of the two wingers, but also drew criticism for not tracking back against the Africans.
• Kane’s Golden Boot credentials are already on display – his three goals in the group moved him ahead of Gary Lineker on 11 World Cup goals, and his brace to save England in the Round of 32 highlighted that he is by far their most important player.
• Defensive vulnerability is the clearest concern – England were breached twice in the first half by Croatia, looked vulnerable on the counter against Ghana and Panama, and those same gaps were exploited again by DR Congo.
• Tuchel’s changes have made an impact – Gordon provided the telling cross for Kane to equalise against DR Congo, and laid the ball off for his rocket of a strike to win it. Marcus Rashford also scored within minutes of coming on against Croatia.
• Travel and conditions will be a factor – England have flown to Dallas, Boston, New Jersey, Atlanta, and will now head all the way down to Mexico City. Tuchel’s rotation policy will be crucial to keeping the squad fresh.

England 2026 World Cup confirmed 26-man squad

Note: Tino Livramento has been replaced by Trevoh Chalobah due to injury – a defender Tuchel knows well from their time together at Chelsea.

How England lined up against DR Congo

With Reece James suffering a hamstring injury, and Tino Livramento having to withdraw from the squad before a ball was kicked in North America, Djed Spence is now England’s only true right back option. Jarell Quansah filled in for the Panama game but he too was unavailable after twisting his ankle.

The midfield and attack had a familiar shape after Tuchel tinkered against Panama. Jude Bellingham was back in his usual number 10 role, with Declan Rice returning to the midfield.

Tuchel might switch it up on the wings again after the pair that finished the game were definitely more impactful than the two who started. England are in for a very tough game against Mexico, and will be battling against a huge home field advantage – El Tri have only lost twice in competitive fixtures at the Azteca.

How to Bet on the England Starting 11

The anytime goalscorer market is always popular, and Harry Kane will be the short-price favourite in every game England play – though betting offers vary enough across bookmakers that it is worth comparing odds on Kane before placing.

Jude Bellingham is another attractive option, having netted two of the other three goals England have scored so far. His late runs into the box make him a consistent threat.

For cards, Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson are the most likely England players to pick up bookings, given their defensive midfield roles and Tuchel’s high-press instructions.

VAR insurance markets – paying out when goals are disallowed – are worth watching after Kane’s penalty in the opener was initially saved before being retaken. Players like Anthony Gordon and Marcus Rashford, who make frequent runs in behind, could be involved in such incidents.

Is there a chance of England winning World Cup?

England are firmly in the conversation, sitting just behind France, Spain and Argentina at around 7/1 in the outright market, making them one of the leading contenders to lift the trophy in North America this summer.

With a deep, talented squad and a favourable run, the bookmakers’ prices reflect a side many fancy to go all the way, even if recent tournament near-misses keep a question mark over their nerve in the latter stages.

FAQ about the 2026 England World Cup squad

1. Why hasn’t Bukayo Saka been starting?

Saka has been carrying an Achilles issue since March, sustained in the Carabao Cup final against Manchester City. He missed seven games for Arsenal and had his minutes carefully managed through the run-in.

The decision to start Madueke in two of the three games so far has been a fitness precaution as much as a tactical one, with Saka currently being introduced from the bench in the second half of games.

2. Are there any other injury concerns in the squad?

Reece James is now set to miss at least one if not two knockout games – if England get that far. James has always been injury prone throughout his career and the decision not to bring Trent Alexander-Arnold has become even more of a hot topic in recent days.

It is something of a crisis at that position – Tino Livramento was forced to withdraw from the squad just days before the start of the tournament. Trevoh Chalobah was called up in his place, but he is more of a centre back by trade.

3. What’s the squad’s travel schedule?

England are based in Kansas City, Missouri – which the FA chose for its central location and excellent facilities. They’ve played games in Dallas, Boston, New Jersey and Atlanta so far, and will head to Mexico City to face co-hosts Mexico next. For analysis of how the schedule affects England’s chances in each game, see our World Cup tips and predictions.

About the author

Greg Lea

Greg Lea is a freelance football writer from London. He predominantly covers the Premier League and has had work published by the Guardian, FourFourTwo, ESPN and others.

Follow Greg on X: @GregLeaFootball

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