Thomas Tuchel has second best English squad of the century in World Cup rankings By Beatriz
5 min read
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The English team for the Copa of the 2026 Mundo, led by Thomas Tuchel, occupies second place in a ranking that compares the talent level of the squads from the Inglaterra’s last seven appearances in the tournament. The 2006 team appears first. The survey was published by the GOAL website and evaluates the individual potential of the players and the general balance of each group.
The material covers the call-ups from 2002 to 2026. Ele highlights how English football went through different cycles over the two decades, with moments of great expectation and others of reconstruction.
2006’s Geração leads with fearsome cast
The team that competed in the 2006 Copa at Alemanha brought together one of the best English formations of the century. The defense had Gary Neville, Rio Ferdinand, John Terry and Ashley Cole. Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard formed the midfield. In attack, Wayne Rooney, even with an injury, was at his peak and played alongside Michael Owen.
Outros high-level names like Michael Carrick and the young Theo Walcott were on the bench. The team had the potential to win the title, but internal problems got in the way. Rivalidades among players and lack of tactical command weighed down. Owen was injured in the group stage. Rooney was sent off in the quarterfinals against Portugal. The elimination on penalties marked an early end to the campaign.
Elenco from 2026 shows quality and pragmatism
The group assembled by Thomas Tuchel for 2026 combines high-level stars with greater balance. Harry Kane arrives as the main favorite for Ballon d’Or after scoring 60 goals this season for Bayern of Munique. Declan Rice was one of Premier League’s best players. Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka exhibit world-class features.
Tuchel prioritized more disciplined pieces. Elliot Anderson acts as a containment flywheel. Reece James gains favor on the side. The text points out that the squad has less defensive experience and is missing some creators on the bench, with Cole Palmer and Phil Foden not on the list. Ainda is therefore considered the most talented of the last 20 years.
2022 Seleção takes third place
The 2022 team, managed by Gareth Southgate in Qatar, reached the quarterfinals. The team had a good campaign at Euro 2020 and arrived with momentum. Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka and Phil Foden represented the new generation. Jude Bellingham appeared as a great talent in midfield. Harry Kane remained decisive, with Jordan Pickford, John Stones and Harry Maguire bringing experience.
Trent Alexander-Arnold and Kyle Walker competed for the right flank. Jack Grealish and Marcus Rashford were hot options on the bench. The elimination against França, with a missed penalty from Kane, was considered a huge wasted opportunity.
2018 Campanha surprises with semi-final
In 2018, at Rússia, Inglaterra reached the semifinals, equaling the best result since 1966. Harry Kane and Dele Alli formed a good offensive duo. Raheem Sterling was going through a great phase in Manchester City. The three-back system included Kyle Walker, Harry Maguire and Ashley Young on the left.
Jesse Lingard was a starter in midfield. Ruben Loftus-Cheek earned minutes on the bench. Apesar despite depth limitations, the team exceeded expectations. The defeat to Croácia in extra time exposed the lack of options in the squad.
2014 and 2010 mark periods of transition
The 2014 team performed below expectations. Perdeu to Itália and Uruguai and was eliminated in the first round. Steven Gerrard, Wayne Rooney and Frank Lampard were no longer at their best. The defense with Gary Cahill and Phil Jagielka showed weaknesses. Daniel Sturridge and Raheem Sterling brought youth, but it wasn’t enough.
In 2010, in África of Sul, Fabio Capello commanded a cast with remnants of the previous generation. Rio Ferdinand got injured right at the beginning of the preparation. Rooney and Gareth Barry also arrived weakened. The team fell in the round of 16 against Alemanha. Lampard’s disallowed goal against the Germans became a symbol of the campaign.
2002 has stars but suffers from injuries
The 2002 team, trained by Sven-Goran Eriksson, had David Beckham, Michael Owen, Rio Ferdinand, Sol Campbell and Paul Scholes. Important Lesões took out Gary Neville and Steven Gerrard. Trevor Sinclair ended up gaining space on the left. Beckham acted with a metatarsal problem.
Mesmo thus, the team beat Argentina in the group stage and defeated Dinamarca. Caiu in the quarterfinals to Brasil after Ronaldinho’s goal over David Seaman. Foi had a positive campaign, but the squad was not the strongest of the period.
Comparação reveals English football cycles
The ranking shows the evolution and difficulties of Inglaterra in the Copas of the 21st century. The 2006 team represents the technical peak of an era full of expectations. The following years brought reconstruction. The 2018 and 2022 generation brought youth and good results, but without reaching the title.
Tuchel’s group in 2026 appears as the most balanced since 2006. Ele learned from the mistakes of its predecessors, prioritizing pragmatism alongside talent. The 2026 Copa will be the opportunity to prove whether this potential translates into performance on the field.
- Gary Neville, Rio Ferdinand, John Terry and Ashley Cole in the 2006 defense
- Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard in the midfield of the golden generation
- Harry Kane as main star of the 2026 team
- Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka with world class
- Declan Rice as a pillar of the current team
- Lesões marked campaigns in 2010 and 2002
- Semifinal from 2018 as best recent result
- Quartas final in 2022 with hard elimination
Expectativas for the immediate future
Inglaterra arrives at Copa in 2026 with a cast that mixes experience and young talent. Thomas Tuchel has the task of uniting the group and overcoming recent knockout eliminations. The ranking serves as a reference, but the real test will be within the four lines.
