It’s no secret that the current England squad is blessed with talent. From UEFA Champions League winners to Premier League titleholders, we truly have another golden generation on our hands. However, with Thomas Tuchel only allowed to select 26 players for this summer’s World Cup, some very talented footballers will have to miss out.
In this article, we’ll pick out five top players who could potentially miss the cut.
England Squad 2026: Who could miss out?
Trent Alexander-Arnold
This was meant to be the season of dreams for Trent Alexander-Arnold. Having sealed a blockbuster move to Real Madrid last summer, Trent had ambitions of winning his second Champions League title and competing for the Ballon d’Or. That said, persistent injuries have meant the right-back has played only 497 minutes so far this season, and he remains out until February with a thigh injury.
There’s no denying Trent’s ability to dictate play with his stunning range of passing. If he can make an impact when he returns from injury, then there’s every chance he’ll make the plane. Unfortunately, with Reece James lined up to start, and Tino Livramento waiting in the wings, Trent Alexander-Arnold will need to be at his explosive best to seal a return to the England squad.
Djed Spence
Another victim of England’s full-back depth could be Tottenham’s Djed Spence. A versatile option given his ability to play on both flanks, Spence was a key part of Spurs’ UEFA Europa League triumph last season, and subsequently earned a call-up for several Three Lions camps. His intensity and discipline were commended, and he was awarded a start in England’s 3-0 win over Wales last October.
Since then, Spence’s form, and that of his side, have dipped. Tottenham sit 14th in the Premier League, have been knocked out of both domestic cups, and look short of ideas. With Spence short of confidence, and rivals Nico O’Reilly and Lewis Hall hitting form, it could be a quiet summer for the Spurs man.
James Trafford
Having just set the best defensive record in English football history, James Trafford thought he’d made it big when he returned to his boyhood club, Manchester City, in July. He was in the form of his life, Ederson was moving on, and things were in place for the young keeper to become City’s new number one. Nevertheless, the shock deadline day arrival of Gianluigi Donnarumma has put paid to any first-team hopes for Trafford, who has only played 720 minutes for the Cityzens this season.
Whilst the young stopper is never going to steal Jordan Pickford’s spot, he’s certainly in the running for third choice. He’s been around the Three Lions squad since March 2024 and collected plenty of experience in the process. That in mind, if he wants to beat the likes of Aaron Ramsdale or Nick Pope to the squad, then he’ll need more game time.
Anthony Gordon
Six months ago, Anthony Gordon would have been a certain pick for the England squad, but his place now feels at risk. He’s recorded only two goals in the league and is now facing calls to be replaced by Harvey Barnes, who’s scored five times in the same period.
Gordon’s hard work and electric pace would certainly be useful, particularly when playing on Harry Kane’s shoulder, but he faces strong competition. Marcus Rashford is experiencing a remontada in Spain, Eberechi Eze is reliable off-the-left, and even in-form Morgan Rogers has something to offer from the wing. With so much talent in wide spaces, Anthony Gordon needs to lift his game if he wants to lock his place in Tuchel’s team.
Myles Lewis-Skelly
Like Trafford, the young full-back may be another youngster who misses out through lack of minutes. Having burst onto the scene in 2024/25, Lewis-Skelly has struggled to impose himself on the starting lineup this campaign, with Mikel Arteta opting for Ricardo Calafiori and Piero Hincapié at left-back.
When playing regularly, Lewis-Skelly looked a clear favourite for England’s left-back position. His ball-carrying and intelligence caught the eye of Thomas Tuchel back in March 2025, when he received a call-up. Before long, he was breaking records as the youngest England player to score on their senior debut.
England finally has some selection headaches at left-back, so it’s up to Myles Lewis-Skelly to get some game time and come out on top.