Squad, Line-Up, Opponents, and More
England kick off their FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying campaign this week under Thomas Tuchel, facing Albania and Latvia at Wembley on March 21 and 24, 2025. With Bukayo Saka sidelined by a hamstring injury until at least late March, the Three Lions will rely on a refreshed squad. Here’s the full breakdown: the confirmed squad, predicted line-up, surprises, analysis of both opponents, players to watch, match odds, and other international fixtures to catch over the next week.
England’s Squad for March 2025 Qualifiers
Tuchel announced his first England squad on March 14, 2025, for the Group K clashes (EnglandFootball.com). The 26-man roster reflects Saka’s absence and includes several notable returns and debutants:
- Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), Aaron Ramsdale (Southampton), James Trafford (Burnley)
- Defenders: Dan Burn (Newcastle United), Levi Colwill (Chelsea), Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace), Reece James (Chelsea), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Myles Lewis-Skelly (Arsenal), Tino Livramento (Newcastle United), Jarell Quansah (Liverpool), Kyle Walker (AC Milan, on loan from Manchester City)
- Midfielders: Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace), Jordan Henderson (Ajax), Curtis Jones (Liverpool), Cole Palmer (Chelsea), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa)
- Forwards: Jarrod Bowen (West Ham United), Phil Foden (Manchester City), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle United), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Marcus Rashford (Aston Villa, on loan from Manchester United), Dominic Solanke (Tottenham Hotspur)
Predicted Starting XI
Tuchel is likely to deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation. With Saka out, here’s the predicted line-up:
- GK: Jordan Pickford – England’s No. 1 remains unchallenged.
- RB: Reece James – Back from injury, offering dynamism.
- CB: Marc Guehi – A consistent presence.
- CB: Levi Colwill – Emerging as a key option.
- LB: Myles Lewis-Skelly – The debutant could edge out others.
- CM: Declan Rice – The midfield anchor.
- CM: Jude Bellingham – England’s talisman.
- RW: Cole Palmer – Steps up in Saka’s absence.
- AM: Phil Foden – Central creativity.
- LW: Anthony Gordon – Pace and directness.
- ST: Harry Kane – Captain and goal machine.
Surprises in the Squad
Tuchel’s first selection has raised eyebrows:
- Dan Burn: The 32-year-old Newcastle defender earns a debut call-up.
- Myles Lewis-Skelly: Arsenal’s 18-year-old versatile star gets a senior nod.
- Jordan Henderson: The Ajax midfielder, 34, returns after a year out.
- Marcus Rashford: Back after impressing on loan at Aston Villa.
England’s Opponents: Albania and Latvia
Match 1: England vs. Albania (March 21, 2025)
Venue: Wembley Stadium, London
Kick-Off: 7:45 PM GMT
Albania, ranked around 60th globally, are compact and counter-attacking threats, as shown in past qualifiers.
Players to Watch
- Elseid Hysaj (Lazio): A veteran full-back with defensive nous.
- Armando Broja (Everton, on loan from Chelsea): A striker who knows English football.
Match Odds
- England Win: 1/4
- Draw: 4/1
- Albania Win: 10/1
Match 2: England vs. Latvia (March 24, 2025)
Venue: Wembley Stadium, London
Kick-Off: 7:45 PM GMT
Latvia, ranked near 130th, will likely adopt a defensive stance, hoping to frustrate England.
Players to Watch
- Roberts Uldriķis (Cambuur): A towering forward for set-pieces.
- Kristers Tobers (Grasshoppers): A gritty young midfielder.
Match Odds
- England Win: 1/12
- Draw: 8/1
- Latvia Win: 18/1
Other International Games to Watch This Week
Here are some key UEFA qualifiers from March 21-25, 2025:
- Poland vs. Lithuania (March 21): A Group G regional derby.
- Romania vs. Bosnia-Herzegovina (March 21): Group H’s competitive edge.
- Wales vs. Kazakhstan (March 22): Group J’s early challenge.
Final Thoughts
Saka’s injury opens doors for Palmer and Gordon, while Tuchel’s bold picks—like Burn and Lewis-Skelly—signal a new direction. Can England start their World Cup journey with two wins? Let us know your predictions in the comments!
Follow along for updates as the Three Lions take on Group K!