After all the noise, the sad social media posts and the slightly overblown announcement, can we all agree on one thing at least?
None – if any – of those who dropped out of the squad would have been starters when England’s campaign kicks off in Dallas against Croatia on 17 June. Some might not have got even a minute over the seven weeks Thomas Tuchel hopes his England team are in North America.
But that doesn’t mean there’s no decisions to make. Three stick out: centre-back, left side of a forward three and right-back. Here’s the formula to unlock England.
Jordan Pickford
For the first time before a tournament there might actually be a case for a new keeper given Pickford’s recent form has been fairly ordinary. James Trafford has played well when given an opportunity and is the future. But Pickford has big game, big tournament experience so gets the nod.
Reece James
If fit, England have one of the best right-backs in the world in James – whose dead-ball prowess also gives him an edge over his rivals. Tino Livramento worries me as his understudy – his form and fitness have been iffy, to say the least.
John Stones
He might not have played much but he’s the natural partner for Guehi in the centre of defence if he’s over his fitness issues. In fact, he’ll be coming in fairly rested. Has never let England down and in the heat, his comfort in possession could be an asset.
Marc Guehi
One of four automatic picks in the side. Consistently good for club and country, absolute no-brainer.
Nico O’Reilly
There is always a player who breaks out in a World Cup cycle and O’Reilly is one. Even as recently as November I thought Lewis Hall would swipe the left-back slot (he can count himself very unlucky not to be in the squad) but O’Reilly has the game understanding and ability to make the competition his own.
Elliot Anderson
I’m not quite as sold on Anderson as everyone else for the attacking midfield role but he’s been brilliant over the course of the season and a straightforward qualifying campaign. Against the world’s best I still think there’s a question mark over him, which might make for fascinating viewing.
Declan Rice
I sometimes think Rice is asked to play within himself for England, where he’s primarily a holding midfielder. He has a different role with Arsenal and plays better for them. But he’s so ego-free, he’ll do it for England.
Marcus Rashford
This was Anthony Gordon’s position – and then Bayern Munich came along. Sorry, I can’t understand the agreement Newcastle have come to with Gordon where he has played once since March.
If it’s club-led, Gordon should be telling them he needs to perform. If it’s Gordon-led, he can’t complain that Rashford – who ended the season well with Barcelona – is the choice.
Jude Bellingham
Come on, who else? I like Morgan Rogers and he’ll keep Bellingham on his toes but Jude’s Jude. The argument that he has too much ego for an England side he’s frequently saved with stellar performances doesn’t wash. If we’re to go deep, we need him.
Bukayo Saka
His return to form is timely. In terms of attacking impact he’s done it for England across several tournaments and his workrate and discipline are underrated.
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Harry Kane
You’d get hauled into the Tower of London for dropping Kane but – and stick with me here – I do have concerns. At Euro 2024 he looked jaded and barely made an impact. In the heat of the US, can he press as England need him to?
But he’s the best goalscorer England have had for a generation and scores even when not playing well. I just hope Tuchel’s given more thought to building a team to get the best of Kane than Gareth Southgate did two years ago.
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