Regardless of whether Thomas Tuchel remains in charge or a new manager takes the helm, England is focused on ending 62 years of hurt by securing a long-awaited trophy. With the 2026 World Cup serving as a potential final opportunity for several long-term squad members, the focus must now shift toward building a new core for the home nations' Euro 2028.
Trent Alexander-Arnold stands out as a player who should be central to these plans. Despite being arguably the best English passer of the ball, his talent has often been underutilized by successive managers. While his defensive ability is frequently questioned, his creative output and precision passing are elite, and he could provide invaluable service to players like Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham. Jurgen Klopp previously found a way to maximize his potential at club level, and there is no reason why managers like Southgate or Tuchel could not do the same. A potential solution involves having Reece James slot into midfield, providing the necessary cover to allow Alexander-Arnold to push forward. Finding a way to integrate him into the starting XI must be a priority for whoever is in charge come the Euros, especially given the team's lack of creative options, a deficiency noted during the match against a tough Ghana side.
Jude Bellingham remains the most valuable member of the England squad and should be the star for the next several tournaments. As he approaches 25 by the time Euro 2028 arrives, he is yet to reach his peak. He possesses a "Rooney quality" of wanting to be involved in every phase of play, often running deep into his own half to defend. However, his best season at Real Madrid occurred when he was deployed as a number 10, pushed high up the pitch. England should look to free him of defensive responsibilities to get the best out of him, potentially even starting him as a striker given the lack of other options. Pushing Bellingham higher up the pitch could also allow a player like Morgan Rogers to slot in behind him.
Anderson is another star for both the present and the future. His stock has been rising, and his performance at the World Cup proved he belongs at the top level. His £120m move to Manchester City, where he will train alongside players like Rodri, is expected to elevate his game further. While the pairing of Anderson and Rice looks set to anchor the team for years, the Argentina match highlighted that they cannot play every minute without a drop in performance. This is where Kobbie Mainoo becomes vital. Despite a challenging season under Ruben Amorim, Mainoo possesses the qualities needed to soak up pressure when the team is under the cosh. With two more years of experience, he should be ready to make a serious contribution.
Finally, England must address the lack of right-wing options exposed at the World Cup. With Bukayo Saka struggling for form and Noni Madueke unlikely to make the squad again, the team should look toward teenage talents like Ngumoha or Max Dowman. While it is impossible to predict which of these young stars will flourish, both possess a fearless, direct style of play. The key is to provide them with a platform to shine without placing the burden of the team's success solely on their shoulders. If they begin to perform regularly in the Premier League, they will deserve a starting spot for the Euros.
While his lack of defensive ability is often exaggerated, he makes up for it with his creativity and ability to place the ball wherever he wants. Would Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham not have benefited from whipped, accurate crosses onto their foreheads?
Predicting which clubs the summer's biggest free agents will sign for
