In the Mixer: Who can force their way into England's World Cup squad?
Content Editor at Free Super Tips, Alex was born in the shadow of Old Trafford and is an avid Man Utd fan. After graduating from university he combined his love of football, writing and betting to join FST and now closely follows goings-on in all of the top European leagues.
In The Mixer is FST’s weekly column where we catch up with our team of football betting experts and get their opinion on the hot topic of the week.
With the season over and new champions crowned across the continent, our attention turns towards June’s international break and the upcoming World Cup 2026 qualifiers.
Thomas Tuchel’s squad for the upcoming matches against Andorra and Senegal contained few real surprises, but here we task our experts with picking an outsider who can force their way into the German’s plans for next summer’s World Cup in the United States.
All prices below are quoted with bet365, where new customers can sign up below to claim £30 in free bets.
Alex Jack
Tottenham Hotspur starlet Archie Gray catches the eye at 5/1 to make England’s next World Cup squad.
In what was a tough domestic season for Spurs, Gray was still able to show what he’s capable of out of position in the backline and he did help the Lilywhites secure the Europa League title.
An incredible talent, who was primed for a central midfield role during his time at Leeds United’s academy, Gray has spent much of his professional career filling in at right-back or centre-back.
Should Gray be finally played in his best position, this 19-year-old has the physical presence, the work rate and football intelligence to make a push for the next Three Lions’ World Cup squad.
Gareth Freeman
If Jack Grealish leaves Manchester City this summer, which seems almost a certainty, he looks decent value at 10/3. Everyone knows what he offers when he’s on form, and if he has a good season elsewhere he should come into Thomas Tuchel’s thoughts.
As an outside option, Brighton’s Jack Hinshelwood is worth a mention at 16/1. The 20-year-old ended the season on a high note with three goals and two assists across his last six games. Next year could be a true breakout campaign – and Tuchel has never been afraid to give younger players opportunities at club level.
Henry Hardwicke
I would say the 5/2 on offer about Liam Delap making the squad offers the best value. The Ipswich forward has been linked with a move to a string of Premier League clubs, and a £30-million transfer to a club like Chelsea or Manchester United would boost the profile of the 22-year-old.
Delap scored 12 Premier League goals for a poor Tractor Boys side this season, and a tally equal to that next term could see the forward in the England picture.
Harry Kane, Ollie Watkins, and Ivan Toney were the three proper strikers named in England’s most recent squad and 5/2 looks a good offer for Delap to join the trio or secure one of their spots.
James Milton
Newcastle’s Lewis Hall suffered a season-ending foot injury in March, shortly before the Magpies’ EFL Cup final triumph over Liverpool and England’s first two World Cup qualifiers under Thomas Tuchel.
Hall’s unfortunate absence meant Arsenal tyro Myles Lewis-Skelly started against Albania and Latvia, but the Newcastle man appeals at 6/4 to make the World Cup squad as senior left-back Luke Shaw has struggled with form and fitness.
Hall’s excellent club performances earned him a call-up for November’s Nations League fixtures and playing Champions League football next season should enhance his chances of impressing Tuchel.
Jack Ogalbe
Thomas Tuchel likes versatility and, with a lack of central defensive options and limited opportunities to work with players, may favour those he already knows, making the 5/2 about Trevoh Chalobah something to consider.
Chalobah featured in both a back three and a back four under Tuchel at Chelsea and, after looking good on loan at Crystal Palace before Christmas, has even played right-back for Enzo Maresca since returning to Stamford Bridge, often inverting into midfield.
The 25-year-old is a bit of a late bloomer, but Tuchel’s penchant for switching shape between matches and even during games makes Chalobah a realistic option to kick on from his first call-up and make next summer’s squad.
Aaron Rogan
It’s tough to argue that Thomas Tuchel selected his latest England squad on current form when Jarrod Bowen hasn’t been included.
The winger is an 11/10 chance to make the World Cup, which stands out given the Three Lions’ lack of depth out wide. Bowen finished the season in fantastic form, scoring in five of West Ham’s final six Premier League matches.
He had either a goal or an assist in 10 of his 15 league games under Graham Potter, which suggests he could be on for a career year next term. As a club captain and a player on the older side, he should appeal to a stop-gap manager like Tuchel.
Alex Wrigley
Rico Lewis displaced Kyle Walker at right-back for Manchester City, and he could do the same for England at 3/1. Trent Alexander-Arnold is a shoo-in for the squad, but Walker is 35 now, while fellow full-back Reece James is seemingly only ever a dodgy spring away from tearing a hamstring.
Lewis, who has already been capped five times, made 43 appearances for the Citizens this season and illustrated his versatility by filling in at left back, holding midfield, and on the right wing. At 20, he has plenty of room to grow and should at least be in the conversation next summer.
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