England World Cup 2026: Gareth Southgate Names Final 26-Man Squad for Tournament

Gareth Southgate has announced his final 26-man England squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the Three Lions boss springing several surprises as the nation's attention turns to the tournament being co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Captain Harry Kane will lead the team in what is likely to be his fourth and final World Cup for England. Kane, now 32, has scored 74 goals for his country and remains the team's talisman in attack.

Among the most notable inclusions is 18-year-old midfielder Ethan Nwaneri of Arsenal, who becomes the youngest player named in an England World Cup squad since Wayne Rooney in 2004. The most notable omission is Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford, who has struggled for form this season.

England have been drawn in Group C alongside Argentina, Japan, and Tunisia. The opening match against Japan on 14 June in Atlanta will be followed by fixtures against Tunisia in Houston and Argentina in Miami.

Beyond Kane, much depends on the form of Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, and Phil Foden, who have become the core of Southgate's team. England enter the tournament as fourth favourites behind Brazil, France, and Argentina, with expectations high that this squad can finally bring the World Cup home.