4 Players Who Must Capitalize on England Opportunity as World Cup 2026 Countdown Begins

Lee Carsley was adamant that England's incoming manager Thomas Tuchel had no input over the final squad of his interim tenure, but the fickle fates of fitness issues have certainly played their part.

The 26-player setup which Carsley named for November's crucial Nations League fixtures against Greece and the Republic of Ireland was littered with players plagued by injury concerns. Eight internationals pulled out of the squad shortly after it was announced.

While the long list absentees has created a headache for Carsley, it opens up an invaluable window of opportunity for a gaggle of players of the periphery of the squad.

Ahead of Tuchel's first camp in March and the impending World Cup qualification campaign, here are the players trying to take advantage of the injury crisis.

Curtis Jones has made almost 150 appearances for Liverpool, lifted the Premier League, FA Cup and Club World Cup, but is yet to make a single senior appearance for England.

The Under-21 European champion from 2023 missed October's international squad due to the birth of his first daughter, Giselle. Liverpool boss Arne Slot highlighted that life-changing event as a key factor driving Jones' 'outstanding' recent form.

In the absence of Declan Rice, Jones should get an opportunity to fully demonstrate his raft of qualities on and off the ball in an England shirt for the first time. If the 23-year-old replicates his performances for Liverpool on the international stage, it will not be the last.

England's strength in depth at right-back has been formidable for several years. Even after Trent Alexander-Arnold's injury, Aston Villa's Ezri Konsa and Newcastle's Tino Livramento offer youthful alternatives to the established Kyle Walker. The picture is far bleaker at left-back.

Rico Lewis is comfortable on either flank. The dainty Manchester City schemer provides another sharp mind to help England break down obdurate low blocks when stepping into midfield.

The right wing slot at England has been owned by Bukayo Saka since the 2022 World Cup. Chelsea's Noni Madueke is the latest challenger to the throne and has been treated to the rare luxury of a squad without Arsenal forward in his way. Saka limped out of Sunday's 1-1 draw with Chelsea while Madueke was subbed off at Stamford Bridge.

The former PSV Eindhoven winger has been subbed on in England's last three fixtures, noticeably making an impact against Finland at Wembley Stadium. Madueke began the season with a hat-trick against Wolves in August and has started every subsequent league game.

Still yet to provide an assist this season, the left-footer has only scored once since that Molineux mauling, prompting increasing competition for places at club level from the likes of Pedro Neto and Jadon Sancho. There won't be many England squads without Saka in the months going forward, so Madueke has to make this month's fixtures count.

Anthony Gordon was the strongest advocate of Lee Carsley upon his appointment. A favourite for the manager during their shared time at England's under-21s, Gordon enjoyed three consecutive starts for his country after being afforded less than three minutes at Euro 2024 under Gareth Southgate.

The Newcastle United forward will need to make the most of this month's camp as doesn't have the best track record with incoming boss Thomas Tuchel. While the German coach was at Chelsea, he explicitly turned down the chance to sign the English winger from Everton.