England’s World Cup squad numbers appear to have been leaked just hours before the Football Association’s planned official announcement, after a FIFA document containing the numbers assigned to every player at the tournament began circulating online.Thomas Tuchel’s 26-man squad is already in North America preparing for the tournament, with England set to begin their World Cup campaign against Croatia on June 17. The squad announcement itself generated significant debate after high-profile omissions including Phil Foden, Cole Palmer, Harry Maguire, Morgan Gibbs-White, Jarrod Bowen and Lewis Hall.While the Football Association was not due to officially unveil England’s squad numbers until 3pm (UK Time) on Tuesday, the leaked FIFA document appeared to reveal the entire numbering system in advance, offering an early glimpse not only at the shirt assignments but also potentially at Thomas Tuchel’s preferred starting XI.
FILE -England’s head coach Thomas Tuchel looks on before the start of the International friendly soccer match between England and Japan in London, March 31, 2026 . (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth, File)
Leaked numbers hint at Tuchel’s preferred team
According to The Sun, several of the squad numbers appear to offer clues about how Tuchel intends to set up his side when England begin their campaign in North America.Jordan Pickford has unsurprisingly retained the No.1 shirt, with Dean Henderson taking No.13 and James Trafford receiving No.23 among the goalkeepers.The defensive numbers have attracted particular attention. Ezri Konsa has been handed the No.2 shirt, a number traditionally associated with right-backs, despite primarily operating as a central defender for both club and country. Konsa has occasionally filled in at right-back and the assignment could hint at a role there during the tournament.Nico O’Reilly has been allocated No.3 on the opposite side of defence, while Declan Rice takes No.4 in midfield. John Stones and Marc Guehi have been given Nos.5 and 6 respectively, suggesting they could be Tuchel’s preferred central defensive partnership. Dan Burn, meanwhile, has been assigned No.15 for what could be his World Cup debut.Further forward, Bukayo Saka keeps the No.7 shirt, while Elliot Anderson receives No.8, the same number he wears for Nottingham Forest. Captain Harry Kane remains England’s No.9, while Jude Bellingham once again takes the iconic No.10 shirt.Marcus Rashford has been assigned No.11, potentially indicating he currently holds an advantage over Anthony Gordon in the battle for a starting wide position. Gordon, who recently completed his move to Barcelona, has been given No.18.
England Squad potential starting XI/ Image credit: The Sun
According to The Sun, the leaked numbering also points towards several other selections within Tuchel’s likely plans. Tino Livramento and Jordan Henderson have been allocated Nos.12 and 14 respectively, while Morgan Rogers receives No.17 after swapping his preferred club No.27. Kobbie Mainoo has been handed No.16 following his resurgence at Manchester United, with Ollie Watkins taking No.19.Noni Madueke retains his Arsenal No.20 shirt, Eberechi Eze receives No.21, and returning striker Ivan Toney has been assigned No.22.One particularly interesting assignment is Reece James receiving No.24, the same number he wears at Chelsea. While Konsa’s No.2 shirt could indicate a starting role at right-back, James retaining his preferred club number may suggest he remains firmly in contention to break into Tuchel’s first-choice back line. Djed Spence has been handed No.25 and offers additional versatility, with the ability to play on either side of defence.Jarell Quansah completes the squad after receiving No.26, the highest number in the group.
England goalkeeper James Trafford, fourth right and teammates board a plane at Birmingham Airport ahead of the team’s departure to the United States for the FIFA World Cup, in Birmingham, England, Monday June 1, 2026. (Nick Potts/PA via AP)
England’s leaked World Cup squad numbers in full
The FIFA document that surfaced online appears to list England’s squad numbers as follows:1. Jordan Pickford (Goalkeeper)2. Ezri Konsa (Defender)3. Nico O’Reilly (Defender)4. Declan Rice (Midfielder)5. John Stones (Defender)6. Marc Guehi (Defender)7. Bukayo Saka (Forward)8. Elliot Anderson (Midfielder)9. Harry Kane (Forward)10. Jude Bellingham (Midfielder)11. Marcus Rashford (Forward)12. Tino Livramento (Defender)13. Dean Henderson (Goalkeeper)14. Jordan Henderson (Midfielder)15. Dan Burn (Defender)16. Kobbie Mainoo (Midfielder)17. Morgan Rogers (Midfielder)18. Anthony Gordon (Forward)19. Ollie Watkins (Forward)20. Noni Madueke (Forward)21. Eberechi Eze (Midfielder)22. Ivan Toney (Forward)23. James Trafford (Goalkeeper)24. Reece James (Defender)25. Djed Spence (Defender)26. Jarell Quansah (Defender)The leaked FIFA document emerged only hours before the FA’s scheduled squad-number announcement, meaning England supporters may have already received an early look at how the Three Lions will line up when their World Cup campaign begins against Croatia on June 17.
