England 2026 World Cup Squad Odds: Who Will Make The Plane To North America?

With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, Thomas Tuchel faces the enviable task of selecting from one of England's most talented generations. 

England arrived at the finals in superb form, topping UEFA Group K with a flawless qualifying campaign - eight wins from eight games, scoring 22 goals without conceding a single one. 

Now attention turns to North America, where England kick off their Group L campaign against Croatia on June 17 in Dallas - a mouthwatering rematch of their 2018 World Cup semi-final. 

Using the latest odds from the best betting sites, we've combed through the market to identify the players most likely to board that plane this summer. 

From near-certainties to intriguing dark horses, here's a position-by-position look at the leading contenders vying for a place in England's 26-man squad.

Goalkeepers: Pickford Number 1 - But Who Backs Him Up?

Jordan Pickford remains the undisputed number one for England and is virtually certain to be on the plane to North America according to the latest odds on betting apps. 

The Everton stopper has been first choice for years and brings invaluable tournament experience, having played every minute of England's runs to the 2018 semi-final and the 2020 and 2024 Euro finals. 

Dean Henderson has forced his way back into contention with consistent performances at Crystal Palace and will likely travel as backup. 

James Trafford continues to develop as a long-term prospect, and his inclusion as a third keeper remains a genuine possibility, giving Tuchel a young option to blood for future tournaments. 

Nick Pope, when fit, also offers Premier League pedigree and remains in the conversation should any of the frontrunners suffer an injury in the build-up to the tournament.

Defenders: Embarrassment of Riches At The Back

England's defensive options are both plentiful and competitive. 

Trent Alexander-Arnold and Reece James provide world-class quality at right back, though fitness has been a persistent concern for James, while Alexander-Arnold has been left out by Tuchel of late. 

On the left, Luke Shaw and Lewis Hall will battle for the starting berth. 

At centre-back, John Stones and Marc Guehi look nailed on, with Harry Maguire's experience making him a strong contender for a squad place despite others seemingly being favoured in front of him. 

Ezri Konsa has impressed at Aston Villa and could earn a spot, while Levi Colwill and Valentino Livramento add youthful depth. 

Dan Burn's no-nonsense style offers Tuchel a different option and Fikayo Tomori could return to the fold after strong form in Serie A. 

Midfielders: Golden Generation Takes Centre Stage

The engine room is where England's strength is arguably most evident. 

Declan Rice is the heartbeat of the side - a certain starter who has grown into one of the best midfielders in Europe at Arsenal. 

Jude Bellingham's creativity and goal threat from midfield make him undroppable, while Kobbie Mainoo's composure on the ball has made him a key figure at Manchester United. 

Cole Palmer's impressive form for Chelsea means he is almost impossible to leave out. Conor Gallagher provides tireless energy, and Morgan Gibbs-White has staked his claim with excellent Premier League performances. 

Elliot Anderson is another exciting option, with his box-to-box ability giving Tuchel a slightly different profile should injuries or tactics demand a change. 

Meanwhile, despite struggling to secure a place in Liverpool's first team, Curtis Jones will still be hoping to earn himself a place in the final 26.

Forwards: Kane Leads The Line - But Who Joins Him?

Harry Kane leads the line and is England's all-time top scorer - his place in the squad is beyond question, while Bukayo Saka's pace, creativity and goal threat from the right make him equally essential. 

Anthony Gordon has nailed down a starting berth with his direct running and productivity for Newcastle, while Phil Foden's ability to operate in tight spaces and create chances makes him a key creative force. 

Ollie Watkins proved his worth as a supersub at Euro 2024 with that famous late winner against the Netherlands, and his tireless pressing keeps him firmly in the picture. 

Dominic Solanke offers physicality and hold-up play, giving Tuchel an alternative style of centre-forward should Kane need a rest. 

Eberechi Eze has been one of the most exciting players in the Premier League and his ability to unlock defences with a moment of magic makes him a compelling option for Tuchel's squad.

Morgan Rogers has also staked a genuine claim with his impressive form, and his direct running and eye for goal could see him earn a place.

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Outsiders & Dark Horses: The Names Who Could Spring A Surprise

Several fringe players could yet force their way into the reckoning. 

Noni Madueke's directness and pace give England an option off the bench, while Jarrod Bowen's work rate and big-game experience with West Ham keep him firmly on the radar. 

Dominic Calvert-Lewin is an outside bet but offers a classic target-man option. 

James Garner, Curtis Jones and Rico Lewis are battling for peripheral spots, and if any of the first-choice picks suffer injury in the run-up to the tournament, the door opens for several of these players to earn a surprise call-up. 

At the longer end of the market, Callum Hudson-Odoi's pace and trickery could yet catch Tuchel's eye - the winger has shown flashes of his undeniable talent and an outstanding end to the season could make him impossible to ignore.

Who do you think should be on the plane to North America this summer? Let us know in the comments below.