World Cubs: The young Lions predicted for England 2026 squad

Harvey Elliott, Trevoh Chalobah and Folarin Balogun are all set to make England’s next World Cup squad, according to data.

Midnite has predicted the next England World Cup squad by replacing players in the current team who will be over 32 in 2026, with new stars who have the best statistics in their position. The top ten players in the top European divisions for each position were compared to find replacements in the squad.

New goalkeepers and defenders in the squad are based on goals conceded per 90 minutes. Midfielders are ranked on average goals and assists per 90 minutes, while forwards are rated on average goals per 90 minutes.

In goal for the Three Lions, Manchester City keeper James Trafford is one inclusion in the squad. Dean Henderson is also set to join up with the Three Lions. Both are in place for Jordan Pickford and Nick Pope.

Trevoh Chalobah will feature in his first major tournament, joining up with his Chelsea teammates Ben Chilwell and Reece James in the England squad. Former Chelsea duo Fikayo Tomori and Marc Guehi are also included. Kyle Walker and Harry Maguire are not included.

Rising Liverpool star Elliott is predicted to make the plane, with Emile Smith-Rowe and Morgan Gibbs-White set to join him.

Leading the line, youngster Folarin Balogun is another inclusion in the squad, while Tammy Abraham’s form for Roma will be rewarded with a call-up as well.

(Midnite) Predicted England squad for the 2026 World Cup*:

Goalkeepers

(Based on goals conceded per 90 minutes)

• Aaron Ramsdale
• Dean Henderson (0.97 goals conceded)
• James Trafford (1.2 goals conceded)

Defenders

(New players based on goals conceded per 90)

• Trent Alexander-Arnold
• Ben White
• Luke Shaw
• Ben Chilwell (0.66 goals conceded)
• Reece James (0.95 goals conceded)
• Trevoh Chalobah (1.1 goals conceded)
• Marc Guehi (1.02 goals conceded)
• Fikayo Tomori (0.94 goals conceded)

Midfielders

(New players based on goals & assists per 90)

• Kalvin Phillips
• Declan Rice
• Conor Gallagher
• Jude Bellingham
• Mason Mount
• Harvey Elliott (0.45 goals & assists per 90)
• Emile Smith Rowe (0.42 goals & assists per 90)
• Morgan Gibbs-White (0.26 goals & assists per 90)

Forwards

(New players based on goals per 90)

• Marcus Rashford
• Phil Foden
• Jack Grealish
• Bukayo Saka
• James Maddison
• Tammy Abraham (0.54 goals scored per 90)
• Folarin Balogun (0.49 goals scored per 90)

*Players in bold are the new additions to the England 2022 squad. Players that will be over 32 for the 2026 World Cup are not included in the squad.