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

By Klimentijs Konevs | Updated: 22 April, 2026, 16:00

With the latest round of international friendlies now behind us, Thomas Tuchel has revealed a bit more about his England plans. The 2026 FIFA World Cup is now just two months away, and the squad picture is starting to take real shape.

Recent performances have shaken up the market, with the odds to make the England squad shifting for some of the players. Kobbie Mainoo has boosted his chances, while players like Luke Shaw have slipped back after missing out on the latest call-up. There's still plenty to decide, particularly when it comes to who travels as backup to Harry Kane. In this article, we take a closer look at the latest odds and deliver our updated Three 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 1.02 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 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 Marc Guehi all trading close to 1.02-1.04. They're joined by stars like Jude Bellingham, Nico O'Reilly and Cole Palmer at 1.10-1.12.

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. James Trafford, Jarrod Bowen, and Ollie Watkins are still very much in the conversation. Further down the list, familiar names such as Trent Alexander-Arnold, Adam Wharton and Morgan Gibbs-White have far tougher odds. Don't get it wrong, these are proven players who could deliver for England. It's simply that the race has become so crowded that even established stars are under pressure.

With the latest friendlies and squad selections taken into account, the market is now much tighter, and true value is harder to find. At this stage, it's less about hidden gems and more about identifying players still on the edge of the final cut.

James Garner at 1.72 stands out as a strong option. He made a positive impression during his debut against Uruguay and looks like one of the midfielders pushing into Tuchel's plans at the right time.

At bigger odds, Ollie Watkins at 1.83 still makes sense as Harry Kane's most proven backup. Despite missing the latest squad, his track record keeps him firmly in contention.

For those looking at higher-risk options, Dominic Solanke at 3.75 offers value. He was given a chance in the recent squad. With no clear second-choice striker locked in, he remains a live outsider.

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 remains the No.2 in the pecking order, with Tuchel continuing to trust him as Pickford's main backup. James Trafford, meanwhile, started against Uruguay in a 1-1 draw, but his performance wasn't fully convincing. Now, his odds have drifted from 1.28 to 1.50. Even so, he still looks the most likely option to travel as England's third-choice goalkeeper.

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Defenders with upside

England's defensive core looks mostly settled at this stage. Marc Guehi is the leading centre-back, while John Stones and Ezri Konsa are still expected to go if fit. Harry Maguire has also boosted his chances after a solid showing in the latest friendlies. A few months ago, the odds on him being in the squad were 5.00. Now, he sits at 1.44.

The full-back positions remain the least convincing area. Lewis Hall and Nico O'Reilly are currently leading the race on the left, while Tino Livramento and Djed Spence offer versatility across both flanks.

There are still a few question marks. Injuries continue to affect options like Reece James, and competition at centre-back remains tight behind the main group. As for Myles Lewis-Skelly, limited minutes at the club level make his inclusion unlikely unless something changes late on.

Midfield & forward sleepers

Jude Bellingham remains untouchable. As long as he's healthy, he's one of the first names on the teamsheet. However, the midfield hierarchy is now built around Declan Rice. Elliot Anderson and Morgan Rogers are leading the market at extremely short prices, too.

Further down the attacking group, Bukayo Saka is as close to a certainty as Harry Kane, while Marcus Rashford and Eberechi Eze are also in strong positions to be included. Noni Madueke and Jarrod Bowen are still pushing for places.

Below you'll find a full breakdown of the England squad's latest odds, covering every position. These markets offer a 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 1.02, 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. James Trafford sits third.

Defenders

At the top of the market, four Premier League players stand out as the most certain defensive picks. Guehi, Konsa, O'Reilly and Stones can all be had at very low 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 Phil Foden onward, the prices drift.

Forwards

Up front, the picture is more straightforward. Kane remains the undisputed focal point as the striker. At the same time, Saka and Rashford 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-on-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, Lewis Hall – Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson – Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham, 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.