England are at another World Cup hoping to bring football home. The Three Lions haven’t won the trophy since 1966, which is also the last time they made the final.
Thomas Tuchel’s side got off to a good start at the 2026 World Cup, beating Croatia 4-2 in their opening game. That led to a lot of optimism among fans, but England’s expectations came down slightly after a goalless draw with Ghana. England did manage to seal top spot in their group thanks to a 2-0 win over Panama.
The knockout stages have brought along quite a bit of drama to England. The Three Lions trailed for 75 minutes against DR Congo in the last-32, only to be saved by a late Harry Kane brace. That set up a crunch clash against co-hosts Mexico at the Estadio Azteca.
England overcame the home crowd, altitude and a red card to eventually beat Mexico 3-2, settling them into the quarter-finals.
It was far from a convincing performance from the Three Lions but they were able to overcome Norway in the quarter-final, needing extra time to run out 2-1 winners.
Get all the latest England stats as the tournament unfolds plus the latest squad, manager and fixture information for the European side here.
England World Cup 2026 route to the final
England’s 2-1 win over Norway sent them into the semi-final, with Argentina’s win confirming the pair’s last-four meeting on Wednesday 15th July. All routes lead to the 2026 World Cup Final on Sunday 19th July.
READ MORE: Get the latest England World Cup 2026 outright odds here
England World Cup 2026 stats
England’s key players for World Cup 2026
England top World Cup Golden Boot contender: Harry Kane
- Key stat: Harry Kane is England’s all-time top goalscorer with 85 goals in 119 appearances – 32 goals more than Wayne Rooney, who previously held the record.
Harry Kane is already a World Cup Golden Boot winner, taking the award in 2018. He was also one of six players to share the gong at Euro 2024, with three goals. There’s no denying that Kane is a certified world-class goalscorer, and he’s in some of the best form of his career. Kane came into World Cup off the back of an excellent season with Bayern Munich, scoring 61 goals in 51 appearances. He has carried that form into the World Cup, scoring six goals in England’s first five games.
England primary playmaker: Declan Rice
- Key stat: Declan Rice has created 12 chances at the World Cup so far, more than any other England player.
Bukayo Saka currently leads England for assists at the World Cup, setting up three goals so far. But he hasn’t been a starter, still awaiting a return to full fitness. As England’s key set-piece taker, Declan Rice has created 12 chances at the World Cup so far, three of which have been big chances. But he isn’t just relying on set-pieces to be a creative threat.
England card magnets & top tacklers: Jude Bellingham
- Key stat: Jude Bellingham is one of six England players to have been booked at the World Cup so far.
Declan Rice is the only England player to receive two yellow cards at the 2026 World Cup. And Jarell Quansah is the only one to be sent off. But Bellingham has also been booked, and carries a threat given the passion with which he players. The midfielder doesn’t hide from a challenge, especially as part of England’s press. Only Elliot Anderson (14) has made more tackles among England players than Bellingham’s 12 this summer.
England rising star: Nico O’Reilly
Given the competition for places in this England side, it’s difficult to break into the squad without being an established star. While Jude Bellingham, for example, is still only 23, it would be disingenuous to refer to him as a rising star. Nico O’Reilly, however, has really established himself as a key player for Manchester City this season and was called up to the England squad for the first time for the November internationals. Left-back has been a bit of a problem area for the Three Lions in recent competitions, but at just 21 years old, O’Reilly looks to have nailed down the spot as his own.
STAND-OUT STATS: England have drawn more games than any other team in World Cup history with 22.
England’s set-piece specialists
- Penalties: Harry Kane
- Free kicks: Declan Rice
- Corners: Declan Rice
England tactical analysis and formation
England team stats (average per game at World Cup 2026):
- Corners: 6.2
- Shots on target: 6.4
- Shots on target conceded: 3.0
- Offsides: 1.2
Thomas Tuchel has gone with the 4-2-3-1 as expected, with one deviation to a 4-1-4-1 in England’s final group game. And the starting lineup has more or less been the same. Noni Madueke has been the starting right-winger due to Bukayo Saka’s fitness, while Elliot Anderson has been Declan Rice’s partner.
Reece James was the first-choice right-back but has suffered with injuries. Djed Spence and Jarell Quansah have shared responsibilities since. Marcus Rashford and Anthony Gordon have also been alternating on the left wing, depending on previous performances. Ezri Konsa and Marc Guehi has been the go-to centre-back partnership.
Get the latest England World Cup goals, shots, tackle, assist stats are more here
England manager analysis
Thomas Tuchel has no previous experience of managing on the international stage, but as a Champions League winner with Chelsea and a title winner in both Germany and France, he does have serious pedigree and is one of the most-respected coaches at the tournament.
It took a little bit of time for the German to get his ideas across to the England squad, but they ended their qualifying group without conceding a goal and performances improved as the campaign progressed.
The stats below are from his current spell in charge of the team.
| Coach | Team | P | W | D | L | Win % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thomas Tuchel | England | 19 | 15 | 2 | 2 | 78.94% |
England World Cup FAQs
Have England ever won the World Cup?
Yes, England won the World Cup for the one and only time in their history in 1966.
Where did England finish in the last World Cup?
England were knocked out of the last World Cup in 2022 at the final eight stage, losing 2-1 to France. The Three Lions emerged from their group as winners thanks to wins over Wales and Iran and beat Senegal 3-0 in the last-16 prior to that defeat to Les Bleus.
Who will be England captain at the World Cup?
Harry Kane is the England captain, being given the armband ahead of the 2018 World Cup and remaining in the position throughout Gareth Southgate’s spell in charge. Thomas Tuchel has kept the Bayern Munich man in the role since becoming manager.
Who is England’s all-time top goalscorer at World Cups?
Harry Kane has scored 14 goals for England at World Cups, more than any other player.
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