Sixty years. That is how long England have waited since their only World Cup triumph, back in 1966. The heartbreak has been relentless since then, whether it was Croatia in 2018, France in 2022, or back-to-back Euro final defeats to Italy and Spain. Now, with a perfect qualification record and Thomas Tuchel leading them into North America, England travel to the 2026 FIFA World Cup as genuine contenders, hungry to end one of football's longest-running title droughts.England squad World Cup 2026: Who has Thomas Tuchel selected?Tuchel's 26-man squad blends established tournament veterans with a younger generation expected to shape England's future.Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford, Dean Henderson, James TraffordDefenders: Reece James, Tino Livramento, Marc Guéhi, Ezri Konsa, John Stones, Jarell Quansah, Nico O’Reilly, Dan Burn, Djed SpenceMidfielders: Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson, Jude Bellingham, Jordan Henderson, Morgan Rogers, Kobbie Mainoo, Eberechi EzeForwards: Harry Kane, Ivan Toney, Ollie Watkins, Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke, Marcus Rashford, Anthony GordonThe selection reflects Tuchel's preference for balance rather than reputation alone. Experienced leaders such as Kane, Pickford and Stones remain central figures, while younger names including Mainoo, Rogers and Quansah provide energy and versatility. It is a squad built with knockout football in mind, something Tuchel has developed a reputation for throughout his coaching career.Who are England's star players to watch at the 2026 FIFA World Cup?The depth is there across every position, but a handful of players will define how far England go.Harry Kane leads the line as captain and the nation's all-time top scorer. His 2024-25 Bundesliga season was extraordinary, and arriving at this World Cup, he is in the form of his life. Jude Bellingham was the heartbeat of England's run to the Euro 2024 final, and at 22, he is doing it all over again at Real Madrid. His ability to arrive late, find pockets, and produce in big moments makes him irreplaceable in this setup.Declan Rice anchors the midfield. His season at Arsenal, who have won the Premier League title, has been among the best of any defensive midfielder in Europe. Up front, Bukayo Saka has been electric, and alongside Kane, gives England a front combination that few sides can match.Marc Guehi, who moved to Manchester City in January and adapted immediately under Pep Guardiola, is expected to be Tuchel's first-choice centre-back. At the back, he brings calm and leadership. Jordan Pickford, meanwhile, remains England's undisputed number one, with his tournament experience and consistent shot-stopping locking him into the starting XI. Predicted England starting XI for World Cup 2026Tuchel is a tactically adaptable manager. He is unlikely to lock into one shape and stick to it regardless, but his likely base formation is a 4-2-3-1.Pickford starts in goal. Reece James and Nico O'Reilly are expected at right-back and left-back respectively. Guehi and Konsa form the central defensive pairing. Rice and Elliot Anderson sit in the double pivot, with Bellingham operating as the number 10. Saka and Rashford provide the width, and Kane leads as the lone striker.Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Pickford; James, Guehi, Konsa, O'Reilly; Rice, Anderson; Saka, Bellingham, Rashford; KaneEngland FIFA 2026 squad injury statusEngland have received encouraging news ahead of the tournament. Tuchel has confirmed that every player in the final squad is available and fit for selection entering the group stage.There were concerns earlier in preparation. Jude Bellingham arrived carrying a minor knock but recovered in time and featured in England's pre-tournament friendly victory over New Zealand.Several notable names, however, were affected by injuries during the season. Reece James dealt with hamstring issues, while Cole Palmer's groin problem disrupted his campaign and ultimately contributed to his omission from the squad.Phil Foden was left out after a demanding season and squad selection considerations, while Tino Livramento battled a late-season injury before recovering sufficiently to remain part of the group.For now, England enter the competition in the rare position of having a clean bill of health.FIFA World Cup 2026 – England's Group Stage ScheduleEngland are placed alongside Croatia, Ghana, and Panama in their group. All times are in local US time:17 June, 13:00 PDT — England vs Croatia — Arlington, Texas23 June, 13:00 PDT — England vs Ghana — Foxborough, Massachusetts27 June, 14:00 PDT — Panama vs England — East Rutherford, New JerseyCroatia will be the sternest early test, given the history between the sides. England will be expected to advance, but their performance level across these matches could offer the first indication of whether this talented squad is finally capable of ending a 60-year wait for football's biggest prize.