World Cup 2026: How did England’s players measure up during the tournament?
Ezri Konsa: The Aston Villa defender featured in every game and continued to show that he has international football quality. The player who started at center back also played at right back in the quarter-final win over Norway. He finished the tournament scoring a goal in the third place qualifier. 7
John Stones: It was considered a gamble by Thomas Tuchel to take Stones considering his fitness issues. He started the first game, had some shaky moments and left in the next couple. But he rallied and started in the quarter-final win over Norway and the semi-final defeat of Argentina. The 32-year-old showed his quality but was caught under the ball for Lautaro Martinez’s winner. 7
Marc Guehi: The bedrock of England’s backline in major tournaments. Guehi did not start the opening game against Croatia but when he came on he showed his usual calmness and quality. Guehi did well against Manchester City team-mate Erling Haaland in the quarter-final against Norway and was effective until England’s exit. 8
Trevoh Chalobah: The Chelsea defender has been called up as a replacement for Tino Livramento. It was a decision that sparked a lot of debate as it was heard that it left England short of full-back positions. Chalobah was introduced in the final stage of the victory over France with his only minutes in the tournament. 5
Jarell Quansah: This was Quansah’s first major tournament and he was undoubtedly selected in the 26-man squad. But the Bayer Leverkusen defender has shown why Tuchel wants to sign him as a centre-back. Quansah started well against Panama before getting injured, then did the same against Mexico before being sent off. He came back from the third place qualifier, and has a bright future on the international stage. 6
Dan Burn: The inclusion of the Newcastle full-back was the subject of much controversy but his performance against Mexico underlined that. Burn’s aerial prowess gave England a way to see games out, although Tuchel turned to that tactic early on when trying to see out victory against Argentina. 6.5
Nico O’Reilly: This was the 21-year-old’s first tournament and he grew into it after a nervous opening game. O’Reilly became England’s first-choice left-back in November, and to go from there to the World Cup and start five of eight games is truly remarkable. O’Reilly is very good on the ball but could improve defensively. 6.5
Reece James: The Chelsea captain said it was “boring” when people debated his fitness, but the first-choice right-back has been ruled out for three games after picking up a hamstring injury against Ghana. He recovered to play in the quarter-final and semi-final, and showed his quality. 6.5
Djed Spence: The Tottenham defender was one of the players who stood out in this tournament in England. Spence’s ability to play at left and right back is very important in tournament football. He is an excellent one-v-one defender and his speed gives the team a chance to break out. He produced two of his best performances in the quarter-final and semi-final. Spence played well against France, won the penalty. 8
