England’s final qualifiers: Eight players fighting for their World Cup dreams
With England’s spot at the 2026 World Cup already secure, their final qualifiers against Serbia and Albania may seem like formalities — but for several players, they could be make-or-break. Manager Thomas Tuchel has just four matches left to finalize his squad, and these upcoming games offer a crucial window for fringe players to impress. Here are the eight England stars with the most at stake.
Adam Wharton: Back with a point to prove
After missing out in October, Adam Wharton returns to the England squad hoping to build on the momentum from his solid Premier League form with Crystal Palace. Still waiting for his first meaningful cap, the midfielder faces tough competition but now has a chance to convince Tuchel he fits the system.
James Trafford: A fading No.1 contender
Once tipped as the future of England’s goalkeeping setup, James Trafford finds himself clinging to relevance after losing his spot at Manchester City. A late recall due to injury elsewhere gives him another shot, but without regular club minutes, his hopes of making the plane look increasingly slim.
Alex Scott: A wildcard with nothing to lose
The Bournemouth midfielder was a surprise addition to the squad, but with Tuchel already praising his performances, Alex Scott could be the latest young gun to seize an unexpected opportunity. He'll have to shine quickly, though, with fierce competition for limited midfield spots.
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Jarell Quansah: Time to make a senior impact
Despite regular call-ups in recent months, Quansah has yet to make his senior debut — a growing concern as other defenders accumulate caps. With England’s centre-back spots still up for grabs, he’ll need to make a statement soon or risk being left behind.
Nico O’Reilly: Ready for a breakthrough
The young Manchester City utility man has impressed at club level but is still searching for his England debut. With little pressure in the final two qualifiers, O’Reilly could earn valuable minutes — and potentially leapfrog rivals like Myles Lewis-Skelly in the pecking order.
Phil Foden: One last shot in his best role
It’s now or never for Phil Foden, who returns to the national team fold after a patchy year. Tuchel has made it clear he sees Foden centrally, not as a winger — and if he’s to make the final cut, the Manchester City star must finally deliver in an England shirt.
Trevoh Chalobah: Seizing a rare second chance
Injuries elsewhere have given Chalobah an unexpected opportunity to rejoin the England setup. With just one cap to his name and fierce competition at centre-back, this may be his last real chance to convince Tuchel he belongs in the squad.
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Jude Bellingham: Proving he's indispensable
Bellingham is back after missing October’s matches, but even he isn’t fully secure. With questions over his temperament and Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers pressing for his spot, the Real Madrid man needs to show he’s still England’s midfield heartbeat.
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