Between the posts there is no other option but Jordan Pickford. He has been England’s undisputed number one for seven years and there is little danger of that changing for next summer’s tournament in North America.
Trent Alexander-Arnold is England’s best right-back, perhaps the best in his position across the globe, but as he continues to work his way back to fitness has not been named in the squad. Reece James is proving his worth with every growing week at Chelsea and should get the nod over Djed Spence.
Marc Guehi and John Stones were a solid foundation at Euro 2024 and despite the latter’s injury concerns, when fit he will play. Dan Burn is doing everything he can to play a factor, however.
Nico O’Reilly has yet to play a game for England, but he has enjoyed a very strong season at Manchester City and deserves to start over Spence.
England look like they may have finally found an answer to their midfield problems. Elliott Anderson recently joined Declan Rice in the middle of the pitch and they fit seamlessly together.
Adam Wharton is an exceptional talent but has yet to feature under Tuchel and Anderson currently has the trust of the Three Lions boss.
Bukayo Saka, Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham’s places in a best England XI are rarely doubted, even though the Real Madrid man was left out of Tuchel’s last squad.
The more interesting dilemma is the final spot on the left wing. Foden can count himself unlucky not to be involved, after a stellar return to form in recent weeks, but pigeonholing him on the left has proven ineffective.
Rashford, meanwhile, has been playing that role for one of European football’s best and most exciting teams. He has been a reliable performer for his country and deserves the nod over Anthony Gordon, who is also nursing an injury.
England’s best XI: Pickford; James, Stones, Guehi, O’Reilly; Anderson, Rice, Bellingham; Saka, Kane, Rashford
