Thomas Tuchel inherited an England squad absolutely brimming with quality across the pitch.
Few positions are deeper than out wide, with the German manager truly spoiled for choice. That created a welcome dilemma when selecting his squad for the 2026 World Cup, an all-star cast marked by inevitable high-profile omissions.
Tuchel’s decision-making will come under the microscope, especially once the tournament kicks off, but there can be no doubting the quality England is taking to North America.
Here’s Sports Illustrated’s ranking of the wingers selected for England’s World Cup adventure.
Notable World Cup Omissions
Tuchel’s England squad is one of the most controversial of recent times, with an array of emerging and established talents left behind. The flanks prove no exception.
The likes of Jadon Sancho, Jamie Gittens, Harvey Barnes and Jack Grealish would all have hoped to impress Tuchel throughout the 2025–26 season, but none of the quartet have done enough to be included. Grealish could have been a possible wildcard, but a season-ending foot injury sustained in January has robbed the Everton loanee of his World Cup opportunity.
Jarrod Bowen has been a victim of West Ham United’s struggles, the 22-cap international losing his place in the squad despite being included in March’s friendlies with Uruguay and Japan. Having managed over 20 goal involvements for a relegation-threatened outfit, he can count himself unfortunate.
Tuchel’s biggest dilemma in the wide department was Phil Foden. The 2023–24 Premier League Player of the Season has struggled to recapture his form since scooping that particular prize, another underwhelming campaign having seen him limited to a bit-part role at Manchester City behind Rayan Cherki. While an undeniably phenomenal talent, Foden can have few complaints, especially given his lack of impact for England at past tournaments.
England’s 2026 World Cup Wingers—Ranked
4. Anthony Gordon
An exciting yet erratic talent at Everton, Anthony Gordon has blossomed into one of the Premier League’s finest wingers since his 2023 move to Newcastle United, consistently supplying goals and assists down the left flank.
The 2025–26 campaign proved much more challenging for Gordon than previous seasons, with the speedy wide man having occasionally succumbed to spells on the Newcastle bench. Regardless, he’s still racked up over 20 goal contributions for the Magpies, and thrived as a central striker in the Champions League.
Gordon is definitely an impressive weapon in England’s arsenal, with the explosive 25-year-old capable of completely changing the flow of matches with his direct approach. He can certainly make a sizeable impact from the bench for Tuchel.
3. Noni Madueke
There always seemed to be something endlessly frustrating about Noni Madueke.
He’s direct, always willing to take on his man, and a nightmare to mark—all the traits you want from a winger. But his final ball and decision-making didn’t always match his dazzling ability.
Since swapping Chelsea for Arsenal over the summer, the 24-year-old swiftly hit upon the best form of his career. While there is still inconsistency with his final product, he’s stepped up his general level under Mikel Arteta, regularly wreaking havoc off either flank.
That versatility makes him a major threat for the Three Lions, but Madueke’s preference for the right wing means he’s likely to play backup to clubmate Bukayo Saka this summer.
2. Marcus Rashford
Marcus Rashford’s loan spell at Barcelona received mixed reviews. Despite supplying regular goals and assists en route to the La Liga title, there has still been criticism of his general effectiveness from open play outside of his final third involvements.
Still, it’s a pleasure to see Rashford back in form, and a goal-laden campaign is deserving of a call-up. He faces a mighty fight with Gordon for the starting berth on England’s left wing, with the pair boasting different skill sets, but Tuchel seems to be enamored by Rashford.
The Manchester United winger, whose club future remains unclear heading into the summer, has been selected in each of the past four England squads and will fancy of his chances of nailing down a starting spot in North America.
1. Bukayo Saka
Bukayo Saka is England’s only genuinely world-class winger. While debate has raged over whether he’s deserving of that status off the back of a mediocre campaign in terms of output, the Arsenal superstar is among the planet’s elite when in full flight.
Saka’s ingenuity, speed and endless creativity have helped propel Arsenal to immense success this season, and he can have a similar impact for England, both as a creator for Harry Kane and goalscoring threat himself.
One of few nailed-on starters in Tuchel’s traveling squad, Saka’s performances will prove integral to England’s chances of glory. If he can unleash his best, he can thrust the Three Lions deep into the tournament.
