McNulty's projected England XI for Euro 2028 hosts
September 22, 2026 18:20
WHAT McNULTY PREDICTS
Phil McNulty’s projected starters (positions paraphrased from his selection) are:
- Goalkeeper: Jordan Pickford (with James Trafford a potential challenger)
- Right-back: Tino Livramento (McNulty noted doubts over Trent Alexander‑Arnold despite an England recall)
- Centre-backs: Jarrad Branthwaite (fitness caveat) and Marc Guehi
- Left-back: Nico O’Reilly
- Midfield: Adam Wharton and Declan Rice
- Advanced midfield/attack: Jude Bellingham
- Wide attackers: Bukayo Saka and Rio Ngumoha (Ngumoha projected to be a regular by 2028)
- Striker: Harry Kane (McNulty expects Kane to aim for one more major tournament)
BACKUP NAMES AND CONTESTS
McNulty lists several players likely to push for places: James Trafford and Dean Henderson could get goalkeeping opportunities; Trent Alexander‑Arnold, Lewis Hall and Ben White are names expected to contest full‑back roles; Morgan Rogers, Cole Palmer, Morgan Gibbs‑White and Max Dowman were also mentioned as contenders. McNulty also highlighted bench options including Rio Ngumoha, Alex Scott, Lewis Miley and Max Dowman.
CONTEXT
Euro 2028 will be hosted by England, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland, with the tournament starting on 9 June 2028. Despite being co‑hosts, McNulty reminded readers that Tuchel’s men are not automatically guaranteed a place and will still have to secure qualification. The article also notes England reached a World Cup semi‑final and a European Championship final in the two years before this prediction. McNulty recorded that, when Euro 2028 begins, Harry Kane will be 34 years and 317 days old.
NEXT STEPS
England face Spain in their Nations League opener mentioned in the piece; McNulty’s projection assumes player development and fitness between now and the tournament.