Which outsiders could make the England 2026 World Cup squad?

Ladbrokes looks at some of the outside shouts to make England's World Cup squad in 2026, with Thomas Tuchel having shown already he is willing to experiment.

The showpiece event kicks off in June 2026 and will take place across the USA, Canada and Mexico. England are currently second favourites to win the tournament at 13/2, behind Spain who are 11/2 to win outright.

With some surprising selections in Tuchel's first squad, including Jordan Henderson and Dan Burn, who might be some of the unexpected names in the World Cup squad? Let's have a look.

Arguably unlucky to have been left out of Thomas Tuchel's most recent squad, Anderson has been a revelation since his PSR-induced move from Newcastle United to Nottingham Forest last summer. It is surely only a matter of time before his England debut.

He has been an integral part of Forest's superb season, excelling in both an advanced and deeper midfield role. With a lack of options in the latter area in particular, Anderson could even be in line to start in 2026.

Jobe, the younger brother of Jude, has thrived in an exciting young Sunderland team that are right amongst the promotion race in the Championship. Still only 19 years old, the younger Bellingham has already made over 100 senior appearances and is attracting interest from top clubs.

Whether on Wearside or elsewhere, Jobe looks likely to be playing in the top flight next season. That would give him the platform to showcase his talents and really grab the attention of Thomas Tuchel.

Tomori's name is one that frequently comes up amongst fans, but is seemingly continually overlooked by coaches. After making his England debut in 2019, the AC Milan defender still only has 5 caps.

Perhaps playing in Serie A has harmed his chances, but he has often been linked with a return to England. Tomori is quick, comfortable on the ball and can fill in at full-back, so he definitely shouldn't be ruled out.

Since December, only Mo Salah and Alexander Isak have more goal contributions in the Premier League than Jacob Murphy. The Newcastle right winger is in the form of his life, but he will need to maintain that if he wants to be on the plane.

There will be plenty of competition in his position, and Murphy will be 31 when the tournament kicks off, but Tuchel has shown with his selection of Dan Burn that he is more than happy to give an experienced professional a reward for his hard work.

Nwaneri became the youngest footballer in Premier League history when he made his debut for Arsenal aged just 15 years and 181 days. Now 18, he has burst onto the scene this season after Bukayo Saka's injury.

He is able to play on the wing or in midfield, and looks set to take a big step forward next season with even more regular game time. The goal for him is to emulate Arsenal teammate and childhood friend Lewis-Skelly, whose sensational rise has seen him win caps and score for England.

The Crystal Palace man has been one of the most consistent full-backs in the league for the last few seasons. He is comfortable in a back four and back three, starting 30 games in each of the last four seasons, and has kept Ben Chilwell out the team since his arrival on loan from Chelsea.

The emergence of Myles Lewis-Skelly and Lewis Hall this year may have damaged his chances slightly, with a problem position now seemingly solved for the foreseeable future. But injuries and form can change the situation in a heartbeat, and Mitchell has shown he is highly dependable.

Delap has been one of the breakout stars of the Premier League this season and the Ipswich Town striker looks set to be in-demand this summer. He has scored 12 goals for the struggling Tractor Boys in his maiden top-flight campaign.

If the 22 year old does move on in the event of Ipswich's likely relegation, particularly to a 'bigger club', that makes a senior call-up even more likely. Behind Harry Kane, there is no clear pecking order up front. Could Delap force his way into the mix?

The Leeds academy product has been thrown in at the deep end at Spurs this season, with their various injury crises meaning he has appeared at centre back, full back and in his more natural midfield role.

That versatility could prove vital in the long run, and help him press his case for a wildcard spot in the World Cup squad. Still only 19 years old, the 2024 Championship Young Player of the Year has plenty of time to prove he was worth the reported £35m that Tottenham paid for him.

The Burnley goalkeeper would appear to be a good bet to make the World Cup squad, given he was included in Tuchel's initial selection and actually was included in the matchday squad ahead of Aaron Ramsdale. Trafford was the hero of England U21s' European Championship victory in 2023, but struggled in his debut Premier League campaign.

However, he has been in record-breaking form with the Clarets this term, as part of a unit that has conceded just 15 goals in 44 games in the Championship and at one point kept ten clean sheets in a row. Trafford has been strongly linked with a summer switch to Newcastle, but will be looking to win the title at Turf Moor first.

The 20-year-old Borussia Dortmund winger is having his best season so far in Germany, with 44 appearances and 12 goals in all competitions at the time of writing. He is the latest English talent to shine in Black and Yellow, following the path laid by Jadon Sancho and Jude Bellingham.

Gittens is now familiar with the England set-up with 11 U21 caps, so a senior call-up looks set to follow. The youngster already has 5 Champions League goals in his short career, and Fabrizio Romano reported that Chelsea made a formal enquiry for the player in January 2025.

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