THE 2026 World Cup is now only months away, and everyone is excited to see what coach Thomas Tuchel has in store. Expectations from this team are at an all-time high, with many fans hoping that the 60th anniversary of England’s only World Cup title to date is the ideal occasion for a repeat.
Tuchel’s selections for the March friendlies against Uruguay and Japan are likely to offer the clearest indication yet of where things stand. With limited time left before the tournament, these matches will be the final opportunity for fringe hopefuls to make their case, while also giving the coach a chance to assess and work on that all-important squad chemistry.
Injuries and form will still play a part in the final selection, but by the end of this window, we should all have a much clearer idea about England’s 26-man World Cup squad.
Latest England World Cup squad odds
- Jordan Pickford – 1/50
- Declan Rice – 1/40
- Harry Kane – 1/33
- Bukayo Saka – 1/33
- Marc Guehi – 1/25
- Anthony Gordon – 1/25
- Ezri Konsa – 1/20
- Morgan Rogers – 1/20
- Dean Henderson – 1/20
- Elliot Anderson – 1/20
- Cole Palmer – 1/16
- Jude Bellingham – 1/10
- Phil Foden – 1/6
- Jordan Henderson – 1/6
- Nico O’Reilly – 1/4
- Marcus Rashford – 1/4
- Jogn Stones – 1/4
- Lewis Hall – 1/4
- Valentino Livramento – 2/5
- Eberechi Eze – 1/3
- Harry Maguire – 1/3
- Dan Burn – 1/3
- Noni Madueke – 1/2
- James Trafford – 1/2
- Jarrod Bowen – 1/2
- Reece James – 4/7
- Djed Spence – 4/7
- Kobbie Mainoo – 8/11
- Adam Wharton – 8/11
- Jarrel Quansah – 5/4
*Odds provided by bet365 and are subject to change.
✅ The ‘Dead Certs’: safe picks, but not much value
As you’d expect, some players have a pretty much cemented spot on the squad regardless of how they do (or whether they even play) in the upcoming friendlies.
With odds so short that you can practically find their seat reservations on the plane, these guys are definitely not worth betting on, but are essential in understanding the core backbone of the England World Cup squad.
Kane, Saka, Rice, Anderson, Guehi & Konsa
Harry Kane (1/33) remains one of the biggest names in the squad and the man all eyes are on as the preparations heat up. In relentless form at Bayern Munich, he’s scored 31 Bundesliga goals this season in just 26 games, and is on track to break even Robert Lewandowski’s 42-goal record by the end of the season.
Bukayo Saka (1/33) looks equally locked in, as he remains one of the key players for Arsenal despite reasonably modest stats this year (6 goals and 5 assists in 27 appearances in the PL). His prolific attacking talents helped Arsenal in their unprecedented domination in both the Champions League and the Premier League, and are sure to be highly useful to Tuchel as well.
Another Arsenal star behind their phenomenal run this year, Declan Rice (1/40), is the midfield anchor that brings an unmatched level of field control and boundless energy on both sides of the pitch. One of the most surefire picks for the English midfield this June.
Elliot Anderson (1/20) is one of the quieter favourites. During his stint at Nottingham Forest, he’s developed into a consistent Premier League midfield menace and was part of England’s UEFA U21 Championship-winning side in 2025, making it into the best 11 of the tournament.
He continued that form in senior football, earning regular call-ups (including the one for the March friendlies) and putting him firmly in the “almost certainly” bracket for the World Cup based on the current odds.
At centre-back, Marc Guehi (1/25) has cemented himself as a dependable option for Crystal Palace and England, building on his international experience with consistently strong performances.
Alongside him, Ezri Konsa (1/20) has been a standout for Aston Villa, playing a major role in their push towards the top end of the Premier League and strengthening his case as one of England’s most reliable defensive picks.
The goalkeeping hierarchy
Jordan Pickford (1/50) remains England’s undisputed No.1, with his consistency for Everton and strong tournament track record for England keeping him firmly in the top spot. There’s no movement in the market here: he’s as safe as it gets, but also not very profitable because of it.
Manchester United Academy’s Dean Henderson (1/20) is also effectively locked in as part of the squad. With rock-solid performances at Crystal Palace, he’s established himself as a reliable Premier League keeper, solidifying his place as Pickford’s most likely backup.
The battle for the third spot is where things get more interesting. James Trafford has seen his momentum stall due to limited minutes at Manchester City, but at 2/5, he’s still currently ahead in the odds.
That said, Nick Pope (6/1) has somewhat closed the early gap, with regular game time at Newcastle United keeping him in contention for that final coveted goalkeeping place in the squad.
🔒 Safe bets: act before their odds get even shorter
The following stars are also all but certain inclusions, with some seeing their payouts dropping rapidly in recent weeks, while others still have lucrative odds worth betting on, considering their place on the squad is practically guaranteed.
Jude is back
After overcoming a hamstring injury scare, Jude Bellingham (1/10) is another player who has it in the bag. Despite losing some playing minutes at Real Madrid, he’s coming off a La Liga and Champions League-winning season and continues to be one of the most influential midfielders in Europe.
While not particularly lucrative, his odds are an excellent opportunity to earn some safe cash, as there’s no way a star of his calibre will be left out of the squad as long as he’s healthy.
➡️ Back Jude Bellingham to make the team with Betfred
Cole Palmer & Phil Foden
Cole Palmer (1/16) has quickly become one of England’s most productive attacking players. At Chelsea, he’s coming off a standout run that includes a UEFA Conference League final Man of the Match, a Club World Cup Golden Ball, and a ton of well-earned positive praise for his offensive prowess.
Even with some recent injury disruption, he’s back in the England squad for the March friendlies, which shows how highly Thomas Tuchel values his game.
Phil Foden (1/6) remains one of England’s most trusted attacking options. At Manchester City, he was one of the most important players in the dominant Premier League-winning run, and he continued where he left off with solid form this year.
His ability to operate across multiple attacking positions and deliver in big games (both domestically and in Europe) makes him a versatile option that Tuchel is not likely to pass on.
➡️ Back Phil Foden to make the squad with BetMGM
Anthony Gordon’s odds slashed
Anthony Gordon (1/25) has moved firmly into “near-certainty” territory after a strong run with Newcastle United this year. His pace and directness give England something different out wide, and consistent Premier League performances have clearly pushed him up Tuchel’s pecking order.
➡️ Pick Anthony Gordon for the World Cup Squad with bet365
Creative backline
Reece James (4/7) is firmly back in contention after a difficult spell with injuries. At Chelsea, he remains one of the most complete right-backs when fit, offering both defensive strength and attacking quality.
Recent returns to consistent minutes have been key, and his experience at the international level keeps him in a strong position to land a spot among the 26-man squad heading to the World Cup.
Nico O’Reilly (1/4) is one of the more exciting backs on the English squad. A product of Manchester City’s Academy, he burst onto the senior scene after very strong performances at the youth level, including success in England’s development sides.
His short price reflects growing public trust and the sense that he fits the profile that Thomas Tuchel is looking for, as a versatile all-round player ideal to anchor both ends of England’s left flank.
➡️ Pick Nico O’Reilly to make the team with bet365
Fringe players & best value bets to make the England squad
The players we’ve discussed so far are all almost certain to make the squad, and thus, admittedly, not terribly exciting or lucrative to bet on. With that in mind, here are some less obvious picks for our more adventurous readers.
Jarrod Bowen (West Ham United)
Bowen (1/2) sits right on the edge of the squad and looks slightly overpriced given his consistency this season. He’s been one of West Ham’s most reliable attacking options and already has international experience, which gives him an edge over the less-proven competitors. He’s been called up for the March friendlies, so we may soon see his odds shifting dramatically one way or another.
➡️ Pick Jarrod Bowen to make the squad with bet365
Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United)
Mainoo (2/5) is pushing hard for a highly contested midfield spot. After a breakthrough season at United and increased involvement with the national squad, his composure and versatility make him a strong candidate if Tuchel opts to give another young talent a spot in the midfield. As with Bowen, we’ll likely see him in action against Uruguay and Japan.
➡️ Tip Kobbie Mainoo to play in the World Cup with Betfred
The Wonderkid Wildcards: Max Dowman & Rio Ngumoha
If you’re looking for something even more speculative, we have two options for you. Max Dowman (Arsenal) and Rio Ngumoha (Liverpool) are generating serious hype at the youth level, but at 14/1, both would need a huge breakthrough to make the final 26.
Still, this is exactly why they appeal as small-stakes, high-upside bets. For our readers who love an underdog tale, these two are our favourite picks.
➡️ Back either Max Dowman or Rio Ngumoha to make it with BetMGM
❌ The big casualties: Who might be missing out?
Every tournament build-up has its surprises, and the odds already point to a few notable names potentially missing out on the big event. With only 26 spots available, reputation or historic performances don’t count for much if current form, fitness, or tactical fit aren’t up to scratch.
Tuchel has repeatedly proven that he doesn’t let anything other than his own thought process influence team-making decisions, so we may well see some big names miss out on a spot in the 26-man team.
Trent Alexander-Arnold & Marcus Rashford
Trent Alexander-Arnold (6/4) is one of the biggest names who may miss the World Cup this year. Despite his proven quality at Liverpool, his debut Real Madrid season has been plagued by injuries.
While no one doubts his versatility, he may just have too much competition at each position he covers, as evidenced by not being called up for the March friendlies and playing his last game for England as a sub back in the summer of 2025.
Marcus Rashford (1/4) is in a better position, but still not completely secure. At Manchester United, inconsistency has been an issue, and while his experience keeps him in the frame, his place is no longer guaranteed in a crowded attacking pool.
That said, unlike Arnold, he’ll have a chance to impress Tuchel in the upcoming friendlies.
➡️ Back Marcus Rashford to attend the World Cup with Betfred
Ollie Watkins & Luke Shaw
Ollie Watkins (2/1) looks vulnerable after scoring just 3 goals in 16 matches for Aston Villa since the start of the year. While Tuchel claims he did not call him up for the friendlies to test out other players he is less familiar with, we still feel it’s a strong sign about his feelings towards including Watkins in the 26-man World Cup squad.
Luke Shaw (3/1) is another big name at risk. At Manchester United, ongoing fitness concerns have disrupted his rhythm, and with other quality options emerging at his position, his place in the squad is far from secure, as current odds indicate.
➡️ Back Ollie Watkins or Luke Shaw to play in the World Cup with BetMGM
💰 How to bet on the England World Cup squad
The “To Make the Squad” market is as simple as it gets: you’re betting on whether a player is named in England’s final 26-man squad submitted to FIFA. Once selected, your picks won’t have to play a single minute at the tournament for your bet to go through – the fact they made it to the World Cup is all you’ll need to successfully cash in.
On bet365, go to Soccer → World Cup 2026, and then find the “To be in Finals Squad” market under Outrights. You’ll see a list of players with current odds, with prices constantly fluctuating based on current form and injuries.
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About the author
Craig Mahood
Craig Mahood is an expert in sports betting and online casinos and has worked with the company since 2020. He joined the Betting & Gaming team at The Sun in June 2022 and works closely with the leading bookmakers and online gaming companies to provide content on all areas of sports betting and gaming. He previously worked as a Digital Sports Reporter at the Scottish Sun, covering Scottish football with particular focus on Celtic and Rangers, As well as football, he has covered horse racing, boxing, darts, the Olympics and tennis for the Sun.
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