Well, it’s in. Thomas Tuchel has named his England team for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, and there are plenty of shock exclusions and inclusions—where’s Grealish!? But there’s no time to dwell on that, as we have to get behind the Three Lions now, as the tournament kicks off in less than a month (June 11 to July 19, 2026). But who are the players that Brummies know best?
Jude Bellingham
Arguably, the most famous local lad, Jude Bellingham, hails from Stourbridge and rose through the ranks at the Birmingham City academy before making his first-team debut at just 16. The Blues infamously retired his number when he moved to Borussia Dortmund, and he now plays for Real Madrid, where he won the UEFA Champions League in 2024.
Morgan Rogers
Born in Halesowen, Morgan Rogers is another homegrown talent who will rival Jude in the starting 11. He began his career at the West Bromwich Albion academy, but was later snapped up by Manchester City (though never making an appearance), and returned to the West Midlands to play for Aston Villa in 2024, and sealed victory in the UEFA Europa League final on Wednesday.
Ezri Konsa
While born in London, Ezri Konsa has been at the heart of the Villans’ defensive unit since 2019, and looks to continue forming a strong partnership with Marc Guéhi in an England shirt.
Ollie Watkins
Like Konsa, Ollie Watkins isn’t a Birmingham native (he’s actually from Devon) but has led the line at Aston Villa since 2020 and will likely play backup to Harry Kane at the FIFA World Cup.
Marcus Rashford
Marcus Rashford may be famously a Manchester man, but it’s easy to overlook his six-month loan spell at Aston Villa in January 2025. He recorded 4 goals and 6 assists in 17 appearances across all competitions, arguably rejuvenating his career. Without Birmingham, would Marcus have just won the La Liga title with FC Barcelona or been called up to the England squad?
Who is missing?
The former Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish hasn’t made the England squad, nor has Jude’s brother Jobe Bellingham. Tammy Abraham, who returned to Aston Villa this season, also misses out.
Who is in the England squad?
Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), James Trafford (Manchester City)
Defenders: Dan Burn (Newcastle United), Marc Guéhi (Manchester City), Reece James (Chelsea), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Tino Livramento (Newcastle United), Nico O’Reilly (Manchester City), Jarell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen), Djed Spence (Tottenham Hotspur), John Stones (Manchester City)
Midfielders: Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Eberechi Eze (Arsenal), Jordan Henderson (Brentford), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa)
Forwards: Anthony Gordon (Newcastle United), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Noni Madueke (Arsenal), Marcus Rashford (Barcelona, loan from Manchester United), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Ivan Toney (Al-Ahli), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)
