England World Cup 2026 guide: Fixtures, prediction, key player and odds

England embark on another international tournament campaign hoping to claim a major men’s honour for the first time since 1966.

The Three Lions have hired proven winner Thomas Tuchel, who has named a controversial squad for this summer’s competition in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

They take on Croatia, Ghana and Panama in Group L in the first ever expanded bracket, including 48 teams following the recent expansion.

Tuchel’s men are hot favourites to steamroller the group stages, but questions remain over how they will fare against the better sides in the later rounds after some disjointed performances in the latest international windows.

Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford, Dean Henderson, James Trafford

Defenders: Reece James, Tino Livramento, Marc Guehi, Ezri Konsa, John Stones, Jarell Quansah, Nico O’Reilly, Dan Burn, Djed Spence

Midfielder: Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson, Jude Bellingham, Jordan Henderson, Morgan Rogers, Kobbie Mainoo, Eberechi Eze

Forwards: Harry Kane, Ivan Toney, Ollie Watkins, Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Gordon

England vs Croatia 9pm on June 17, AT&T Stadium)

England vs Ghana (9pm on June 22, Boston Stadium)

England vs Panama (10pm on June 24, MetLife Stadium)

The FA made a bold statement in hiring their first non-native since Fabio Capello, insisting that Tuchel’s Champions League pedigree could help see the Three Lions to glory across the pond.

Performances have flattered to deceive in recent months, however, but with more time to coach his players, and the adrenaline and momentum that comes with a major tournament, it could actually prove to be a special summer Stateside.

Otherwise, it is looking like a mid-knockout stage exit once more, in a similar vein to that of Qatar, where Gareth Southgate’s men crashed out to France in the last eight.

Harry Kane is the hot favourite for the Ballon d’Or after a sensational season leading the line for Bayern Munich.

The former Tottenham striker, who will lead England at this tournament, has scored 61 goals in all competitions for the Bundesliga champions in an incredible individual campaign.

If he is fit and firing, then England will take some stopping.

The Standard’s journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.