England have secured qualification and Thomas Tuchel’s first major tournament in charge is seven months away. With places clinched early — including the decisive wins over Serbia and Albania — Tuchel has international windows in March and June to refine his best XI.
There is broad agreement on six starters for England’s opening match: Jordan Pickford in goal, Marc Guehi and a centre-back partner, Declan Rice in midfield, Bukayo Saka out wide, Jude Bellingham as the creative fulcrum and Harry Kane up front. If Tuchel lines up in a 4-2-3-1, five areas remain open to debate: right-back, left-back, the other centre-back, Rice’s midfield partner and the left-wing berth.
The Sky Sports writers’ views, condensed:
Nick Wright
– Right-back: Reece James is favoured, though a strong second half of the season from Trent Alexander-Arnold could alter that.
– Centre-backs: John Stones alongside Marc Guehi for experience and balance.
– Left-back: Myles Lewis-Skelly is the leading candidate and should feature more for Arsenal to cement his spot.
– Midfield: Elliot Anderson as the deeper No.6 to let Rice drive forward; Bellingham in the No.10 role ahead of Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers.
– Left wing: Anthony Gordon preferred for his work both in and out of possession.
Sam Blitz
– Right-back: Reece James if fully fit; time to move away from the Stones-Maguire pairing.
– Centre-backs: Ezri Konsa and Marc Guehi earn starts.
– Left-back: Nico O’Reilly should be ahead of Djed Spence and Lewis-Skelly, who hasn’t played enough.
– No.10: Bellingham as the central spark, with Cole Palmer a valuable impact option; Morgan Rogers complicates selection around Eberechi Eze.
– Left wing: Gordon currently ahead of Marcus Rashford.
Ron Walker
– Right-back: Ezri Konsa for consistency and fitness.
– Centre-backs: Stones partners Guehi if available.
– Left-back: Nico O’Reilly a wildcard thanks to his City performances.
– No.10: Bellingham’s X-factor is decisive; Morgan Rogers has been outstanding for England.
– Left wing: Marcus Rashford’s form and assist numbers at Barcelona give him the edge over Gordon.
Lewis Jones
– Defensive flexibility: Guehi could play left-sided centre-back to allow tactical hybrids and shifting full-back roles.
– Centre-back depth: Harry Maguire’s experience and set-piece threat still add value.
– Attack: Tuchel could start both Bellingham and Cole Palmer, using positional rotation to unsettle compact defences.
Zinny Boswell
– Midfield anchor: Adam Wharton favored over Elliot Anderson for his distinct profile as a base.
– No.10: Bellingham ahead but Palmer and Rogers are viable in the role.
– Left-back: Lewis-Skelly returns as first choice if he rediscovers last season’s form.
David Richardson
– Left wing: Marcus Rashford can resolve the left-flank question if he maintains his Barcelona form; his experience is valuable after missing Euro 2024.
– Bench strategy: Use Anthony Gordon late to exploit tired legs; Eze and Phil Foden are backup options for the No.10 spot behind Bellingham.
Laura Hunter
– Centre-backs: Stones and Guehi form the preferred pairing amid a thin pool of reliable options.
– Full-backs: Rotate Lewis-Skelly and Nico O’Reilly at left-back to keep both prospects developing.
– Midfield: If Rice is asked to sit deeper, Wharton pairs well; if Rice is more advanced, Elliot Anderson offers robust cover.
– No.10: Bellingham and Palmer can be used interchangeably; Rashford deserves a shout on the left if his Spain form continues.
Bottom line
Tuchel already has a clear spine — Pickford, Guehi, Rice, Saka, Bellingham and Kane — but notable choices remain over the full-backs, a third centre-back spot, Rice’s partner and who occupies the left attacking channel. Performances in domestic football and the March and June camps will be decisive in settling those roles before the 2026 World Cup.