England World Cup Squad Odds: Tomas Tuchel's squad predictions

By Klimentijs Konevs | Published: 15 December, 2025

The 2026 World Cup is only six months away, and all the Three Lions candidates are battling hard, dreaming of swinging to make England squad odds in their favour. Every international break adds a little more clarity to Tuchel's plans, so the run for a spot is already sparking plenty of debate. In this article, we break down the odds and share our own Lions squad predictions.

The latest numbers show just how big the gap is between the guaranteed picks and the hopefuls. The smallest odds sit at just 1.03 for the stars, while more than a dozen players find themselves in the competitive contenders group.

Locks to make the squad (Odds < 1.10)

The odds to make the England World Cup squad highlight a clear group of near-certainties. England's key players lead the market at extremely short prices, with Jordan Pickford, Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, and Phil Foden all trading close to 1.03-1.08. They're joined by rising stars like Elliot Anderson, Morgan Rogers and Dean Henderson at 1.10.

Players in contention (Odds 1.50-5.00)

The England World Cup squad odds to be selected reveal a lively fight for the remaining spots. Jarrod Bowen, Adam Wharton and Noni Madueke look closest to convincing Tuchel. Players like Ollie Watkins, Nick Pope and Jarell Quansah are still very much in the conversation. Further down the list, familiar names such as Jack Grealish, Conor Gallagher and Harry Maguire have far tougher odds. Don't get it wrong, these are proven players who've delivered for England before. It's simply that the race has become so crowded that even established stars are under pressure.

When you look past the obvious locks, there are still a few smart angles in the market. Wharton at 1.50 may not be a high price, but it reflects how close he already is to Tuchel's plans. His calm use of the ball and ability to play as a No.6 make him a genuine squad piece. Lewis Hall at 3.00 appeals as a higher-upside pick in an unsettled left-back spot. Also, Watkins at 1.80 still makes sense as Kane's most reliable deputy if rotation comes into play.

Goalkeepers: Pickford vs. Challengers

Pickford has taken more criticism than almost anyone in the squad, yet he continues to show why he remains England's No.1. He has major-tournament experience and a penalty-shootout pedigree. He delivers when it matters, and he'll stay in goal for as long as he is alive.

Dean Henderson is the closest challenger after his excellent showing against Albania in November, but he still lacks experience. Nick Pope has had injuries, and James Trafford is still too raw. For now, Pickford's spot is as secure as ever.

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Defenders with upside

For England's back line, several names like John Stones, Marc Guehi and Ezri Konsa look locked in. These players will be a reliable foundation for Tuchel's squad. Dan Burn also appears safe thanks to his late-game value. Beyond that, things get trickier: Tino Livramento and Djed Spence have the athletic profile Tuchel likes, but they must stay fit. Myles Lewis-Skelly's minutes at Arsenal are limited, so his inclusion becomes far less certain.

Midfield & forward sleepers

England still have a handful of intriguing midfield and attacking sleepers who could force their way into Tuchel's final 26. Wharton was a surprise pick under Gareth Southgate at EURO 2024, but has since grown into one of the Premier League's best midfielders. Wharton's skills make him hard to ignore if he keeps thriving at Palace. Jude Bellingham sits in a very different bracket. As long as he stays healthy and finds his rhythm, his place is barely up for debate. His quality and influence make him one of the players Tuchel will naturally build around.

Phil Foden and Cole Palmer aren't guaranteed, but their talent means they're always one big run of form away from locking in a seat. Jack Grealish, Jarrod Bowen and even Morgan Gibbs-White remain outside bets. They need a strong spring at the clubs to climb back into contention. Harry Kane's situation is far more straightforward. The captain remains the focal point of England's attack and a certainty to lead the line in North America.

Below you'll find a full breakdown of the England squad latest odds, covering every position. These markets offer a clear snapshot of who is leading the way and who is on the fringes.

Goalkeepers

The goalkeeper market tells a pretty clear story. Pickford is at 1.03, with Tuchel showing no real signs of moving away from his long-time No.1. Dean Henderson is next in line as the trusted deputy. Nick Pope and Aaron Ramsdale sit further back, and both will need something special to change the current order.

Defenders

At the top of the market, four Premier League players stand out as the most certain defensive picks. Marc Guéhi, Ezri Konsa, Reece James and John Stones all sit at short odds, underlining how firmly they are placed in Tuchel's plans. Beyond that core, the battle becomes more open.

Midfielders

The midfield odds are led by Rice, with Anderson and Rogers also sitting firmly in Tuchel's trusted group. From Wharton onward, the prices drift. The middle of the park is so competitive that established names like Grealish still need a very strong run.

Forwards

Up front, the picture is a bit clearer. Kane remains the undisputed focal point as the striker. At the same time, Saka and Foden are close to certainties alongside him, leaving the remaining forward spots to be decided further down the market.

Tuchel looks likely to stick with his trusted 4-2-3-1 shape. From what we've seen during international breaks, his system relies on aggressive counter-pressing and full-backs who can defend one-v-one. After analysing recent selections, form, and tactical patterns, here's our prediction for England's starting XI (4-3-2-1):

Jordan Pickford – Reece James, John Stones, Marc Guehi, Myles Lewis-Skelly – Elliot Anderson, Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham – Bukayo Saka, Anthony Gordon – Harry Kane

1. Choose a reliable betting site: Start with a trusted platform that offers clear, regularly updated England World Cup squad odds and is fully licensed in your region.

2. Study selection trends: Track Tuchel's recent squads, preferred tactics and injury updates to understand who genuinely fits his plans.

3. Compare different markets: Look at different positional battles and long-shot outsider picks.

4. Back form, not reputation: Tuchel rewards players performing well at the club level, so follow momentum rather than big names.

5. Manage your stake: Set limits, avoid emotional bets, and stay aware that prices can shift dramatically closer to the final squad announcement.