The Athletic FC Podcast Who should England take to the World Cup?
Mar 27, 2026
Jack Pitt-Brooke, football reporter and analyst, and Stu James, football journalist and commentator, debate England’s World Cup squad choices. They discuss auditioning fringe players in friendlies. They analyze centre-back pairings, right-back dilemmas, striker backup options and the goalkeeper quartet. They also weigh midfield partnerships and who should support Kane in attack.
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Stones Is A Unique Defensive Profile
- John Stones remains Tuchel's unique centre-back option because of his ball-playing and positional profile.
- Stones' place depends on fitness and match minutes; Tuchel may play him both fixtures to get him sharp.
Don't Treat Ben White As A Certainty
- Avoid assuming Ben White is a nailed-on World Cup pick despite inclusion; Tuchel values match minutes and fitness.
- White offers versatility and defensive instincts but likely only covers a right-back injury crisis.
Trent Omission Signals Profile Mismatch
- Trent Alexander-Arnold's omission reflects concerns about his defensive fragility and the difficulty of integrating his unique playmaker role into England.
- Tuchel's public stance leaves a door open, but practical selection and right-back injuries make a recall unlikely.