England’s depth is notable. In the biggest moments, they don’t appear to have a reliable way to turn that talent into control, and control into trophies. England’s 2-1 loss to Spain in the EURO 2024 final served to underline the gap. The Three Lions equalised through Cole Palmer only to lose the second-half control and the winning goal late on.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 is going to be held in the USA, Canada and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July, with New York/New Jersey hosting the Final, the question is if England can make it deep into the tournament. It’s whether their next generation of attackers and midfielders can constantly deliver that.
World Cup 2026: England’s Depth
Jude Bellingham looks to be the main man for the Three Lions, whilst Phil Foden and Cole Palmer may be used as high-impact substitutes, rather than starting picks.
In tournament football, it is the most successful teams that can navigate different game states, whether they are playing with a lead in the game or chasing the game late on. England might have the best chance to reach a final with that: one superstar driving the team from the start and two elite “match-changers” coming off the bench.
Jude Bellingham: the midfielder for big moments
An English superstar in the making, Bellingham simply exudes class. The defining moment is still the 95th-minute bicycle kick against Slovakia at EURO 2024, an equaliser that kept England alive when the team were minutes from going out.
On the international front, he’s not so much “emerging” anymore with 46 senior caps and six goals. Tournament football is now all too familiar territory for him. The key step for 2026 is no longer going to be rescue acts but control acts. Dictating rhythm, resisting transitions, and ensuring that England’s best spells last longer than 10-15 minutes. England are favourites to go all the way to the semis according to expert World Cup 2026 tips, and they’ll need a fit Bellingham to do that.
It’s also possible that Bellingham is the most obvious “carry” candidate because his influence isn’t contingent on one role. He can function as a high-class midfielder, drop deeper to assist progression, or be a late runner into the box when England require additional personnel. Its versatility is gold in tournament football, where opponents change every round, and the game can shift on a single tactical tweak.
Phil Foden: vital, but best as a specialist weapon
Foden’s talent is clearly obvious but international football isn’t the same as a club environment. As space becomes more limited, build-up play becomes slower and opponents are willingly sacrificing possession to deny you access through central lanes. Against that background, Foden’s most valuable contribution might come when the game opens up, legs tire and England need someone who can find space and combine quickly.
Coming from the bench shows England’s midfield depth. His value may actually become sharper. A new Foden taking on a wearing midfield is a tactical problem: he can show up between the lines, attract defenders and speed the final ball up. He can also drift into half-spaces to overload to one side, creating better angles for cut-backs, and for shots from the edge of the box.
The balance of England’s XI often depends on pace, width, and defensive cover, which acknowledges squad dynamics. Phil Foden may still remain a tournament-defining figure, just in a role which looks more like “second-half controller/creator” than guaranteed starter.
Cole Palmer: The calm finisher
Palmer has that “tournament difference-maker” look about him. He plays with the calm of a player who expects the moment to unfold without rushing it. In recent knockout matches, England has sometimes lacked the cold-bloodedness in the final action: the pass that breaks a block, the disguised slip ball, the finish when the stadium is holding its breath.
When Palmer comes off the bench he becomes even more dangerous, as his game is built on clarity. He quickly reads defenders and picks the most straightforward high value option. He can impose order when a match is drifting. When England are passing, he can inject both without panic.
If England start Harry Kane and he is not a starter, his responsibilities are massive. England’s go-to man to find the answer in the last half-an-hour. Everything from a goal and an assist and improving the emotional temperature of the match.
Why the bench can be England’s biggest strength
Most of the teams heading to the World Cup possess one strong XI and an even stronger Plan B. The last few World Cups have shown us that the title can be decided by substitutes. Now, that is not to say that the starters have failed. It is just that knockout matches are won on the margins. A bench that has Foden and Palmer is a luxury most nations in the world cannot afford.
Is the trio prepared to “carry” England?
Yes, but with conditions. Bellingham seems prepared to act as the emotional and tactical anchor alongside Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson. If England form consistent patterns that allow Foden and Palmer to bring that straight effect from the bench, they will go far.
World Cup finalists, even in a star-led age, usually possess more than stars. They show a defensive platform, set-piece edges and a forward line that can win ugly when plan A stalls. England’s trio could definitely be the face of a run to the final. Whether or not they advance to the final stages with England will be determined by their ability to translate their personal brilliance into an identity that is robust enough to endure even the tightest 15-minute phases of the tournament.
