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The fight to make England’s World Cup 2026 squad is in full swing and we have looked at five players who could be in with a chance of making the cut.
With the 2026 World Cup Finals on the horizon, England boss Thomas Tuchel will be zoning in on his final preparations and who will be in the 26-man squad.
With more games and more places up for grabs, the battle is already on to make the plane to the USA, Mexico and Canada.
Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace)
He may have only one cap to his name at this stage, but Adam Wharton’s form in the Premier League makes him a serious contender to start games for his country, let alone be in the squad.
The former Blackburn man has been nothing short of inspirational since his move to Selhurst Park in 2024, helping Palace win the FA Cup and Community Shield.
Playing in Europe with the Eagles this season will also surely help Wharton’s cause, with Tuchel admitting that he has been in contact with the midfielder to relay positives about his form.
Wharton has an 81% pass completion percentage and has won 19 duels so far in six league appearances.
Curtis Jones (Liverpool)
Having played a significant role in helping Liverpool win the title last season, game time has been limited for Curtis Jones so far this term.
The midfielder has played just 224 minutes for the Reds to date, with five of his appearances coming from off the bench.
If Jones can fight his way into Arne Slot’s plans on a regular basis, then there is a strong chance that he will be on the plane in the summer.
England don’t have an abundance of central midfielders and if you are playing for a team challenging or winning league titles, your profile will automatically be raised.
Jarrad Branthwaite (Everton)
Seven games into the Premier League season and Jarrad Branthwaite is yet to play a game for Everton, due to a hamstring injury.
The 23-year-old though still has plenty of time to get back into David Moyes’ side and then to stake a claim for an England place.
Branthwaite was a crucial part of Everton’s strong backline last season, with the Toffees having the joint-third best defensive record in the league and recording 12 clean sheets.
With several of England’s centre-back regulars also struggling with injury, there’s a chance the Cumbrian will be a strong contender to be selected by Tuchel.
Jarell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen)
With the likes of Levi Colwill, John Stones and Jarrad Branthwaite all currently sidelined by injury, Tuchel’s centre-back options are limited.
Jarell Quansah is someone who has been playing regularly in one of Europe’s top leagues, having featured in all six of Bayer Leverkusen’s Bundesliga matches this season.
The defender, part of Liverpool’s title-winning squad last term, has helped Leverkusen make a solid start to the season, with just one defeat in the opening six matches.
Playing Champions League football will also help Quansah’s international hopes, as he looks to make the move up from the Under-21s.
Ethan Nwaneri (Arsenal)
England managers have often selected a younger player who has something of the x-factor, and Ethan Nwaneri might provide that option for Tuchel.
The likes of Theo Walcott, Raheem Sterling, Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen have all been teenagers in an England World Cup squad.
Nwaneri has already proven at club level that he can open up defences and be a real threat in attacking positions.
The 18-year-old has yet to win a senior cap, but he has played at every level for his country from Under-16s to Under-21s.
