ENGLAND may find themselves boarding the plane to the next World Cup with a similar core squad to the one that fell short in Qatar.
The Three Lions are blessed with a young side jam-packed with talent, and with four more years of experience under their belt the potential is frightening.
Despite suffering heartbreak against France in quarter-finals, there is a real sense that this team is going places.
While Harry Kane could well be in the side, he may have decided to pass on the captain’s armband.
Despite still being a teenager, fans reckon Jude Bellingham is a ready made replacement, especially after his reaction to Kane’s missed penalty against France.
Here SunSport take a look at who could line up for the Three Lions at the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
GK: Aaron Ramsdale
Only 24-years-old at the moment, the Arsenal stopper could find himself as No1 between the sticks in four years time.
Especially if he continues his stunning form at club level, where he has helped the Gunners to the top of the Premier League table.
RB: Reece James
The Chelsea defender missed out on this year’s World Cup through injury, so will be desperate to make the plane in four years time.
Has already been hailed on social media by star wingers Vinicius Jr and Rafael Leao, and at 26 during the next tournament he will be even better.
CB: Fikayo Tomori
Considered unlucky by some to miss out on the 2022 squad, the AC Milan ace will be at the peak of his powers at 28 when the next tournament gets underway.
With Harry Maguire, John Stones, Eric Dier and Conor Coady all well in their thirties come the next tournament, centre-back may be the one area that sees significant change.
Fikayo Tomori could start at centre-back
CB: Marc Guehi
Another who was in with a shout this year, Marc Guehi will have four more years of development under his belt next time around.
The defender will turn 26 during the next tournament, and could be part of a centre-back overhaul.
LB: Ben Chilwell
Like Reece James on the opposite flank, injuries wrecked Ben Chilwell’s 2022 World Cup dream.
The left-back will be 29, two years younger than current No1 choice Luke Shaw, when the Three Lions look to bring football home in four years time.
CM: Jude Bellingham
A candidate for the captain’s armband, Bellingham will still only be 23 when the whistle blows for the start of the 2026 tournament.
Considering how good he is now, he may well be cemented as the best midfielder on the planet by that time.
After starring in Qatar, Bellingham could be even better in 2026
CM: Declan Rice
Another with captain’s material, and another who will still be the right side of 30 next time out.
In fact, the West Ham man, who is likely to have moved onto pastures new by then, will be just 27 and ready to help lead the charge for the Three Lions.
CM: Mason Mount
Started twice in Qatar before losing his place for the latter games, but could be back in the starting XI if he continues to be a key player for Chelsea, especially with Jordan Henderson set to be 36 when the next tournament begins.
Will also still only be 27, the same age as best pal Declan Rice.
RW: Bukayo Saka
Forward sensation Bukayo Saka was England’s joint top scorer in Qatar with three goals.
He will be 24 at the next World Cup, and could be in with a shout for the tournament golden boot if he continues his current trajectory.
LW: Phil Foden
Manchester City star Phil Foden will be 26 when football’s greatest competition returns.
One of England’s most technically gifted players, he could be the focal point of the quest for World Cup glory – 60 years on from the heroes of ’66.
ST: Harry Kane
Will turn 33 around the time of the final, but with the likes Cristiano Ronaldo (37), Lionel Messi (35) and Robert Lewandowski (34), proving age is just a number, he could well be there.
Whether he stays on as skipper is another matter, but after equalling Wayne Rooney as England’s all-time top scorer on Saturday, Kane will have well and truly shattered the record by 2026.
It is entirely possible for Kane to still be leading the line at the next World Cup
Alternative XI
Alternatively, current skipper Kane could even be surpassed by the time the next tournament comes around.
By then Manchester City youngster Cole Palmer, who is tipped for big things and will be 24, may have been developed into a fully-fledged superstar by Pep Guardiola.
There’s also Jobe Bellingham.
At just 17-years-old he is already featuring for Birmingham City’s first-team, and England are in for a treat if he is anywhere near as good as his older brother.
Crystal Palace’s Tyrick Mitchell, who will be 26, could capitalise on a lack of depth at left-back and grab the position by the scruff of the neck.
It wouldn’t be a surprise if Marcus Rashford, who will be 28, and Jordan Pickford, who will be 32, were both still starters either.
And the same can be said for Trent Alexander-Arnold, who will be on the top of his game at 27 years old.
Jobe Bellingham could follow in the footsteps of his older brother
Honourable mentions
It’s also inevitable that another young talent enjoys a stellar rise to the top before the next World Cup.
The likes of Carney Chukwuemeka, Jacob Ramsey, Harvey Elliott and Levi Colwill are all possibilities in that respect.
Liverpool talent Elliott and Brighton ace Colwill will both be 23 when the 2026 World Cup kicks off, while Chelsea’s Chukwuemeka will be 22.
Aston Villa midfielder Ramsey, a regular for England at youth level, will be 25.
