This international break represents the last chance for those on the fringe of the England squad to stake a claim to make the final 26 for the World Cup. Boss Thomas Tuchel is set to name the squad at the end of May, and we have identified some players worth betting on.
England World Cup Squad Betting
There are several players who, at this stage, are assured of a seat on the plane barring injury. The likes of skipper Harry Kane, goalkeeper Jordan Pickford and influential midfielder Declan Rice are nailed on. There is debate over Tuchel’s first choice starting line-up, with several positions up for grabs. However, although it looks likely that Jude Bellingham may not start ahead of Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers in a number of matches, the Real Madrid player is certain to be involved. However, we have looked at a number of players who are aiming to cement their place in the squad who it could be worth having a bet on. Check out the odds from some of the best bookies in the UK.
| Player | Position | Odds | Bookmaker |
|---|---|---|---|
| James Garner | Midfield | 8/11 | William Hill |
| Adam Wharton | Midfield | 10/11 | Coral |
| Ben White | Right-back/ Centreback | 6/4 | bet365 |
| Ollie Watkins | Forward | 2/1 | BetVictor |
| Trent Alexander-Arnold | Right back | 3/1 | BetVictor |
Odds correct at 11:00 on 31/03/2026. Odds subject to change.
No Expiry Date
James Garner: Everton Midfielder Making a Late Run
Ahead of a World Cup campaign there is sometimes a player who comes into the reckoning after the turn of the year and goes on to play an important role. Everton’s James Garner could be the breakthrough England player for 2026. Garner’s form has been key to the Toffees’ push for Europe. His passing and movement in midfield has caught the eye, and his defensive awareness is improving. He made an impressive debut against Uruguay and a strong finish to the domestic season could see him force his way into Tuchel’s plans. Garner was 8/1 with William Hill to make the squad in January, and this has now come down to 8/11. If you think that Garner will be the man to provide midfield cover this summer, then you may want to get in now. We think that his inclusion is a strong possibility.
Adam Wharton: Bravery in Possession Could See Palace Man Included
Adam Wharton has impressed since joining Crystal Palace from Blackburn in 2024, earning four international caps in the process. Wharton’s willingness to receive the ball in tight areas and the way he consistently looks to make forward passes have caught the eye. Given England’s strength in the middle of the park it is possibly unlikely that both Wharton and Garner will make the squad. Wharton has not been helped by his club’s poor form since the turn of the year, but a strong finish to the season, both in the Premier League and the UEFA Conference League, could be enough to see the 22-year-old make it.
Ben White: Arsenal Defender Available for International Duty
After making himself unavailable for selection during the Gareth Southgate era, Ben White has returned to the fold. Tuchel drafted White into the squad after Liverpool’s Jarrell Quansah pulled out with injury. A section of the England support booed White when he came on as a substitute due to his departure from the 2022 World Cup squad and his subsequent self-imposed exile from the international scene. White responded by getting on the scoresheet and had turned in a solid performance at centreback before giving away a hotly disputed penalty which allowed Uruguay to equalise. If Reece James stays fit, then we don’t see White getting on the plane. However, he is a Tuchel-type player and his ability to cover right-back and central defence gives him a chance. And odds of 6/4 are tempting.
Ollie Watkins: Past Record and Lack of Striker Cover Could See 30-Year-Old Get In
Ollie Watkins failed to make the squad for the friendlies against Uruguay and Japan. However, given the lack of out and out strikers to act as cover for Harry Kane we don’t think that Watkins’ chances are over. Dominic Solanke and Dominic Calvert-Lewin didn’t exactly grab their opportunity with both hands against Uruguay. And given Watkins’ experience, we feel that 2/1 at BetVictor is a decent price. A strong finish to the season at club level could propel the Villa forward back into the reckoning.
Trent Alexander-Arnold: Right-Back Priced at 3/1
England are very strong in the right-back position and Trent Alexander-Arnold has endured a difficult season after his move to Real Madrid. Tuchel appears reluctant to pick Trent, and he wasn’t included in the squad to face Uruguay and Japan. But given the controversy surrounding Ben White and the struggles that both Reece James and Tino Livramento have had with injury this season, we don’t think that you can completely write off the former Liverpool man’s chances.
