How England's dream XI could have looked for World Cup had 3 stars not rejected Three Lions

View 4 Images

Thomas Tuchel could have boasted an extra two Champions League winners and a Serie A superstar amongst his options when selecting his World Cup squad. The England manager will unveil the 26-man party travelling across the pond on Friday as they attempt to end 60 years of hurt.

Harry Kane , Declan Rice and Jordan Pickford are certain to feature on the list. However, one of the world's most lethal strikers could have been partnering Kane in attack had he switched allegiances during his youth.

Here, Mirror Football reveals exactly how England could've lined up at the World Cup 2026 ...

This stands as the most secure position throughout the entire squad, with Jordan Pickford continuing to deliver at a high standard for England. The Everton goalkeeper has earned 82 caps for his nation and has been the trusted choice at the previous four major tournaments.

JOIN US ON FACEBOOK! Latest news, analysis and much more on Mirror Football's Facebook page

James Trafford received his debut for the Three Lions under Tuchel in a 1-1 draw with Uruguay earlier this year, but it seems improbable that either he or Dean Henderson would uproot Pickford from the starting berth.

Additional options have emerged across the defensive line for Tuchel this summer. Harry Maguire has rediscovered his form at Manchester United and John Stones has recently returned from injury.

Nevertheless, Ezri Konsa has staked a strong claim for selection following an outstanding campaign with Aston Villa . The centre-back has featured 47 times this year, netting two goals and reaching the Europa League final. He recently featured for 83 minutes in a friendly defeat to Japan and could prove the ideal partner for Marc Guehi. Reece James is also expected to return to the squad having missed the latest fixtures through a hamstring problem.

The Chelsea skipper is capable of playing in several positions but is most effectively deployed at right-back. Nico O'Reilly's impressive breakthrough campaign at Manchester City has put him firmly in the frame as a potential starter under Tuchel. The 21-year-old has racked up 52 appearances to date, netting nine goals and providing six assists while lifting both the Carabao and FA Cups.

View 4 Images

The engine room is where England could have witnessed a significant transformation this summer. Scott McTominay may be heading stateside with Scotland as one of their pivotal figures, but there was a period when he might have shone for the Three Lions.

The Napoli midfielder had the option of representing both home nations, with his England credentials stemming from being born in Lancaster. McTominay was, however, eligible for the Scots through his father and grandparents and ultimately pledged his allegiance to the Tartan Army in 2018.

He has emerged as a major force in Steve Clarke's system, contributing 14 goals and four assists across 69 caps. The 29-year-old has also been a standout performer for Napoli since departing Manchester United in 2024 and could slot straight into Tuchel's first XI.

He could have formed a partnership with Arsenal's Declan Rice, who has been an outstanding performer for the Premier League title contenders. The 27-year-old has excelled for the Gunners this campaign, netting five goals and providing 11 assists as he guided the side to their first Champions League final since 2006.

View 4 Images

Bukayo Saka has secured his position on the right flank but the left remains contested. Anthony Gordon and Marcus Rashford are the leading candidates for that role. Nevertheless, Jamal Musiala would have been assured of that berth had he elected to play for England. The 23-year-old represented both England and Germany at youth level, while also being eligible for Nigeria through his father.

Musiala ultimately chose Germany in 2021 while shining for Bayern at merely 18 years old. He acknowledged that his loyalty between the nations was "50/50," telling the Guardian : "How English [do] I feel? How German?

"You could say 50-50. I still have the English side of me. It's always going to be like that."

The striking options could have proved twice as devastating with Harry Kane combining alongside Erling Haaland . Kane is a clear choice to spearhead the attack after breaking the record to become England's all-time leading scorer in 2023.

View 4 Images

He has netted 78 goals in 112 appearances and has led his nation through four major tournaments. Haaland could have been the ideal addition to this formidable striking partnership had he chosen to represent his country of birth.

The City striker was born in England while his father, Alf-Inge, was turning out for Leeds United . However, the 25-year-old threw his lot in with Norway, having grown up there for much of his childhood and qualifying through his parents.

With 55 goals in 49 caps for his country, Haaland could have been the perfect foil for Kane - one that would have sent shivers down the spine of any opposition defence from the off.