England reach the 2026 World Cup early — but the work begins now
England became the first European side to secure a place at the 2026 World Cup, a milestone that carries its own narrative. The question isn’t just qualification; it is whether this group, guided by Thomas Tuchel, can translate early momentum into a genuine title bid next summer. After a 5-0 win in Riga that underscored stunning efficiency, Tuchel warned against overreading the moment. The scoreline was a performance, not prophecy, and yet it showcased a team capable of striking quickly and coherently when all the parts click.
What’s working for England right now
Tuchel’s England have developed a sharper attacking aura after a slower start. The frontline order has begun to gel, with Morgan Rogers offering neat timing and synergy alongside Anthony Gordon and Bukayo Saka. Harry Kane remains the focal point, and his goals—his 77th and 78th for England—underline that he is still the best tactical fit in this setup. The blend between pace, fluency, and finishing has become a real instrument, and the squad’s depth around Kane creates options in a way not seen in recent campaigns.
Attack, balance and option-rich squads
Gordon’s involvement provides a pace-and-precision balance that complements Kane’s presence. The return in form of players who can threaten from different angles has allowed Tuchel to trial combinations without compromising composure in possession. The emergence of Eberechi Eze as a genuine final-gear contributor adds another dangerous element to England’s threat, particularly in transitional moments where precision can decide matches.
Big questions ahead of the tournament
While England sit with a perfect record and a glowing goal difference, several uncertainties remain. The World Cup in a 48-team format will demand different strengths: a plan to press in North American heat, resilience against deep blocks, and the ability to manage games when the opposition refuses to open up. Tuchel has begun building options to adapt, but the true test will come in knockout clashes against elite teams when every tactical tweak matters.
Defensive and midfield considerations
Central defence and midfield remain areas where England are not as settled as their attack. A flexible spine is essential, and Tuchel’s crew must identify the best balance between solidity and creativity in the middle of the park. This includes evaluating who anchors the backline and who can unlock defenses when the tempo rises. The risk of overloading the system with offensively oriented players is real if the structure isn’t robust enough to withstand top-tier counter-attacks.
Jude Bellingham and the squad dynamics
A persistent thread through England’s plans has been the tension around Jude Bellingham. Tuchel’s decision to exclude the Real Madrid star from certain selections has been framed by some as a political or disciplinary signal. Regardless of intent, the move highlights a broader principle: in a tournament setting, managers need to establish a clear standard for squad behaviour and on-field role fulfillment. If Bellingham can align with the group’s tactical expectations, he remains indispensable; if not, the squad must continue moving forward with what works now.
What this means for England’s World Cup bid
England’s early qualification is a sign of progress under Tuchel, but it is not a blueprint for immediate victory. The calendar and the 48-team format demand adaptability, depth, and psychological strength to stay competitive across a long campaign. The current atmosphere in the camp has improved, and the attacking chemistry is encouraging, yet there is still room to tighten positioning, groom younger players like Myles Lewis-Skelly for tournament football, and finalize the best drills for dealing with different pressing styles.
Bottom line
England are there and look like one of the contenders, but the path to lifting the trophy requires continued refinement. If Tuchel can navigate selection tensions, optimize the left-back and winger roles, and keep the attacking unit sharp while shoring up defensive routines, England will not just qualify for 2026; they could contend for the title. For now, the focus is on testing, tuning, and building the club-like cohesion that could carry England past the group stage, the knockouts, and into a deep run in next summer’s World Cup.
