LAURA WOODS’ ENGLAND XI FOR THE 2026 WORLD CUP
GOALKEEPER: DEAN HENDERSON
I’d like to see Henderson get a shot in goal. We already know what Jordan Pickford can do but Henderson has had a great season for Crystal Palace, including his brilliant performance in the FA Cup final.
RIGHT-BACK: TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD
He’s just won the league with Liverpool and finally got his huge move to Real Madrid, so his confidence should be sky-high.
Thomas Tuchel clearly has faith in him and, hopefully, he can flourish in an England shirt. I would love to see him do what he’s done for Liverpool on the international stage.
CENTRE-BACK: EZRI KONSA
He’s turned into a very solid centre-back and I’d expect Tuchel to go with him. He’s fast, athletic and reads the game well.
CENTRE-BACK: TREVOH CHALOBAH
I’d love to see Chalobah get a go at centre-back. Tuchel is a big fan and he’s been brilliant for Chelsea in the second half of the season.
LEFT-BACK: MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY
It’s been a breakout season for Lewis-Skelly – I still find it amazing he’s only 18. It feels like he’s been around for ages but I guess that shows how good a player he is.
Given how well he’s taken to the Premier League and Champions League, I can’t see why he won’t do the same for England.
CENTRAL MIDFIELD: JUDE BELLINGHAM
One of the first names on the teamsheet – his talent and workrate are unmatched. A simply superb footballer.
CENTRAL MIDFIELD: DECLAN RICE
He’s the complete midfielder. Alongside Jude Bellingham, he’ll be the backbone of this team and we know we can depend on him now.
A natural leader and enjoyed another fantastic season for Arsenal.
RIGHT WING: BUKAYO SAKA
Bukayo Saka coming back into the team is good for England. It was a disappointing end to Arsenal’s season but he is always one of their brightest sparks and is no different in an England shirt.
ATTACKING MIDFIELD: COLE PALMER
I’m such a fan of Cole Palmer. He’s finished off the season on a high and hopefully he can continue that next season and into the World Cup.
England are likely to play plenty of teams that sit back, so they’re going to need Palmer to break them down.
LEFT WING: EBERECHI EZE
He’s just brilliant, isn’t he?!
I love the way he looks like he’s doing everything in second gear and I think all England fans will be really excited with Eze and Palmer in the same team.
Eze brings flair, creativity and excitement – all characteristics we’ve sometimes missed in England teams. I hope he starts.
STRIKER: HARRY KANE
England’s record goalscorer and he picks himself up front. Kane is a proven finisher for club and country and, if England are to go far in the tournament, they’ll need him in top form.