England’s heartbreaking semi-final defeat to Argentina means 60 years of hurt will be extended and the attention will soon turn to how the Three Lions could line-up at the next tournament in four years
England’s harrowing defeat to Argentina extended the 60 years of hurt as the Three Lions fell at the penultimate hurdle for the second time in the previous three editions.
Thomas Tuchel had immortality within touching distance as Anthony Gordon broke the deadlock but disastrous and ill-timed decision-making allowed Argentina to get back into the game with late strikes from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez.
Penning a contract extension in February until the end of Euro 2028, the ex-Chelsea and PSG boss has faced palpable scrutiny due to his calamitous substitutions which favoured defensive solidity instead of going in search of a second.
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The next iteration of the World Cup, where plans to have a further expanded 64-team tournament have been explored, may well see several new faces in a Three Lions shirt who haven’t featured this summer.
But how could England evolve by the time the 2030 World Cup comes around? Here, the Daily Star Sport looks at the potential line-up for the tournament.
GK: James Trafford
Jordan Pickford has been an immovable object in between the sticks since starring in Russia in 2018, appearing in all major tournaments since. However, his costly error may well signal the passing of the baton to Trafford who has been a victim of Pickford’s success, flourishing for the Under-21’s and impressing in limited minutes in a Manchester City shirt but yet to star for England.
RB: Djed Spence
Proving his critics wrong with superb showings particularly in the knockout stages, the Tottenham Hotspur defender was a bright spark in England’s World Cup campaign. The 25-year-old exemplified his attacking threats while also shining defensively, keeping a certain Lionel Messi quiet for large stretches of the semi-final. The recurring injury cycle of Reece James may help Spence nail down the right-back position.
CB: Marc Guehi
Starting in all but England’s curtain-raiser with Croatia, Marc Guehi has established himself as an England regular and has played an influential role in deep runs in the previous two major tournaments. He will be entering his prime years when the Three Lions head to co-hosts Spain, Portugal and Morocco and has proven his worth on the biggest stage.
CB: Max Alleyne
A name which may be unfamiliar to some, the young Manchester City prodigy could form a long-term defensive partnership alongside Guehi not just at club level but also for England. The U21 international shone on loan at Watford last term with his impressive displays seeing City cut short his stint in January where he got a taste of first-team experience towards the end of the season.
LB: Lewis Hall
A surprise omission from this summer’s squad, the Newcastle United defender was expected to nail down the left-back berth following a standout season. Nico O’Reilly was favoured though and factoring in that Hall has been touted with a move to several of the Premier League powerhouses, a move away from St James’ Park could kickstart his international career.
CM: Declan Rice
One of the first names on the teamsheet for the previous two managers in the dugout, the fatigue of a gruelling club campaign with Arsenal massively hindered his potential in an England shirt this summer. Nonetheless, Rice is future England captain material and could grab the armband in four years: simply an irreplaceable player at the heart of the midfield.
CM: Elliot Anderson
Starring in his first major tournament, Anderson certainly lived up to his £116 million price tag with the new Manchester City midfielder forming an excellent partnership with Rice. He will be expected to hit the ground running at the Etihad Stadium and a trophy-laden few seasons heading into the next World Cup will only bode well for England’s chances of clinching glory.
RW: Rio Ngumoha
Part of Tuchel’s pre-World Cup training camp in Florida and impressing in friendlies, the Liverpool wonderkid burst onto the scene this season at the age of 18 and is widely expected to be a vital component of England teams in years to come. He netted the only goal of the game in a win over New Zealand and his eye-catching Liverpool showings will help manage the increased burden on Bukayo Saka.
CAM: Cole Palmer
One of the several surprise absentees in England’s North American tour, Palmer’s lacklustre campaign at Chelsea meant he did little to deserve a place in the squad. However, recuperating over the summer and under a new boss in Xabi Alonso may help bring the 2024 PFA Young Player of the Year back to his former glory.
LW: Anthony Gordon
A below-par tournament in which he grew into, Gordon showed his credentials in the knockout stages and will be leading the claims for the left-wing spot. A complete performance against Mexico, compounded by a well-taken finish against Argentina, saw him deliver in the critical moments and his switch to Barcelona will only improve his confidence.
ST: Jude Bellingham
Harry Kane outlined how it is “too early” to decide whether he will play in the next World Cup but plans need to be put in place for when the star striker hangs up his boots. Liam Delap, Dominic Solanke and Dominic Calvert-Lewin are the only proven replacements so a more unorthodox approach may have to be implemented. Deployed in an advanced position in his maiden campaign at Real Madrid, Jude Bellingham is an option to lead the line having netted 23 goals and registering 13 assists when used higher up the pitch.