England

England will head into the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada, desperate to prove that they deserve their status as one of the favourites to win the tournament.

Read on as we offer a comprehensive guide to England at the FIFA World Cup this summer.

England at the 2026 World Cup

• Group: L
• Manager: Thomas Tuchel
• Captain: Harry Kane
• Best finish: Winners (1966)
• Next match: England vs Croatia

England have been drawn in Group L alongside Croatia (FIFA-ranked 11th), Ghana (74th) and Panama (33rd).

While the Three Lions should progress to the knockout stage, they would be well-advised not to underestimate their group-stage opponents.

Croatia are England’s toughest test. They finished runners-up in 2018 and in third place four years ago.

If England win the group, they would face the third-placed team from Group E, H, I, J or K in the round of 32.

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England Squad

Player	Club	Position	Age	Caps	Goals

Strongest XI / Predicted Line-up

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England Manager

The decision to appoint Thomas Tuchel didn’t meet with widespread approval, with many people believing that an Englishman should be in charge.

However, Tuchel’s track record of success at club level made him the standout candidate in a field packed with underwhelming homegrown options.

The former Chelsea manager safely guided England through the qualifiers, but poor results during the recent international break highlighted the flaws in their squad.

Tuchel should be able to take the Three Lions into the knockout stage, but his team may fall short when they face one of the big guns.

Tournament Stats

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Route to the Final

If England win their group:

• Round of 32: Wednesday, July 1: England vs Third-placed Group E/H/I/J/K
• Round of 16: Monday, July 6: England vs Mexico
• Quarter-final: Saturday, July 11: England vs Brazil
• Semi-final: Wednesday, July 15: England vs Argentina
• Final: Sunday, July 19: England vs Spain

If England are group runners-up:

• Round of 32: Friday, July 3: England vs Colombia
• Round of 16: Monday, July 6: England vs Spain
• Quarter-final: Friday, July 10: England vs Belgium
• Semi-final: Tuesday, July 14: England vs France
• Final: Sunday, July 19: England vs Argentina

Key Players

Jordan Pickford

Pickford has established himself as the undisputed number one for England. He is crucial to their chances of success this summer.

The Everton goalkeeper has previously played in four major international tournaments (World Cup – 2018 & 2022, European Championship (2020 & 2024).

John Stones

Stones is England’s best centre-back when he is fit, and Tuchel will be desperate for him to steer clear of injuries this summer.

The Manchester City star has played in two World Cups (2018 & 2022) and three European Championships (2016, 2020 & 2024).

Jude Bellingham

Bellingham has had an indifferent season with Real Madrid, sparking talk that Tuchel may select Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers in the number ten role.

Tuchel’s penchant for falling out with ‘big-name’ players adds an intriguing dynamic to England’s World Cup hopes, and Bellingham could be his next victim.

Bukayo Saka

After struggling to produce his best form for Arsenal for much of the season, Saka has looked reinvigorated following Ben White’s return to the team.

If Tuchel keeps their partnership intact this summer, Saka could wreak havoc down the right flank.

Harry Kane

Kane won the Golden Boot with six goals at Russia 2018, and will be eager to claim the prize again this summer.

England’s all-time top goalscorer heads into the tournament with 78 international goals on his CV. He is pivotal to their hopes of success.

England Match Hub

England fixtures & results
England top scorers
World Cup live streams
World Cup all-time top scorers
World Cup host stadiums & cities

England World Cup History

Year	Round	P	W	D	L	F	A
1930	Not a FIFA member
1934	Not a FIFA member
1938	Not a FIFA member
1950	Group stage	3	1	0	2	2	2
1954	Quarter-finals	3	1	1	1	8	8
1958	Group stage	4	0	3	1	4	5
1962	Quarter-finals	4	1	1	2	5	6
1966	Champions	6	5	1	0	11	3
1970	Quarter-finals	4	2	0	2	4	4
1974	Did not qualify
1978	Did not qualify
1982	Second group stage	5	3	2	0	6	1
1986	Quarter-finals	5	2	1	2	7	3
1990	Fourth place	7	3	3	1	8	6
1994	Did not qualify
1998	Round of 16	4	2	1	1	7	4
2002	Quarter-finals	5	2	2	1	6	3
2006	Quarter-finals	5	3	2	0	6	2
2010	Round of 16	4	1	2	1	3	5
2014	Group stage	3	0	1	2	2	4
2018	Fourth place	7	3	1	3	12	8
2022	Quarter-finals	5	3	1	1	13	4

FAQs

Has England won the World Cup?

Yes. England won the World Cup on home soil in 1966. That was their only appearance in the final.

Who is the England manager?

Thomas Tuchel. He has previously managed clubs in Germany, France and England.

How did England fare in the last World Cup?

England reached the quarter-final in 2022. France eliminated them.

Who has made the most appearances for England?

Peter Shilton. He won 125 caps from 1970 to 1990.

Who has scored the most goals for England?

Harry Kane has scored 78 goals in 112 appearances.