England Player Ratings: Saka 'untouchable', Eze's hopes for Tuchel's World Cup squad

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Bukayo Saka is one of the first names on the England team sheet. But it is fair to say that so far this has not been a vintage season by Saka’s own very high standards.

However, the Arsenal winger was back to his best in the North London derby win at Tottenham on Sunday. Saka was terrific as he wore the armband, set the tone and showed great personality and the leadership side of his game which maybe does not get fully appreciated.

He is in Arsenal’s leadership group, was a leader in the England squad under Gareth Southgate and will be a figure that the current players look up to. If you had to name first names on the sheet… they are Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, Jordan Pickford and Marc Guehi.

Here’s another on Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup list… Ezri Konsa. The England manager loves him and Elliot Anderson is not far behind.

But even those two are not among the six England untouchables and, if you are looking for consistency and reliability, then Saka always delivers for the Three Lions.

In our new weekly series, our Chief Football Writer John Cross gives his England player ratings for Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup 2026 squad

There’s the chance to have your say in the article - so get involved.

Match rating: 8/10

His best performance for some time as he shone, made things happen and led by example. This was a performance with a real message that Arsenal were back in the title race - and Saka set the tone.

Current form: 6/10

Mixed. He has a new contract to celebrate and he is Arsenal’s crown jewel. But when you are as good as him and as reliable as him, that drives very high standards.

England squad rating: 9/10

There is absolutely no doubt that he is in the team and starting XI never mind the squad. He is one of England’s untouchables.

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Match rating: 6/10

His mistake - albeit a very rare one - gifted Tottenham an equaliser and that made it a more average game than a standout for Arsenal’s midfield kingpin. You could see his determination and desire to put things right - and he did.

Current form: 6/10

The biggest worry for England over Rice will be whether he will ever get tired or run out of energy. He plays so many games and he always plays with such heart, intensity and energy. What a player. He will surely be Arsenal’s Player of the Year and if Arsenal win the title then he should be Footballer of the Year.

England squad rating: 9/10

He is absolutely stitched on for the England starting line-up. He is full of energy and power. He will be England’s driving force in the United States.

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Match rating: 8/10

Wow. This was a game-changing performance. Two goals, a marauding display as he covered every blade of grass and one filled with quality. He is a No10 and revelled in the central role. Anything else is a compromise. Give him the opportunities - and he will take them.

Current form: 6/10

He was good in the FA Cup against Wigan but then got dropped at Wolves when Arteta chose to use Bukayo Saka in the No10 role and picking a winger over Eze as the specialist felt like the lowest point. Fair play to Eze for then proving his point against Tottenham on Sunday.

England squad rating: 6/10

It is going to be a really tight call because Eze has to be in the mix for the No10s rather than an either or for the left wingers and central players. But the No10 is a crowded market with Eze, Jude Bellingham, Morgan Rogers, Phil Foden, Cole Palmer and arguably even Morgan Gibbs-White. Only Bellingham and Rogers look guaranteed and there may only be one other place.

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Match rating: 5/10.

This was a struggle. He played at left wing back and Saka had him on toast as the saying goes. Very few chances to get forward because he was overwhelmed from a defensive point of view.

Current form: 6/10

He looks every inch a player struggling for confidence in a struggling team. His chances of making the cut are fading by the week.

England squad rating: 5/10

He was elevated to the squad in the first place by momentum and form. Without that momentum and a dip in form, he is losing ground fast. Even his bonus of filling either side no longer seems so relevant.

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Match rating: 5/10.

Could not get a handle on Arsenal’s midfield. Was left chasing shadows and, even though he was brought in to close down and try to frustrate, Gallagher just could not get a grip. Tottenham’s own version of the dogs of war lacked any bite.

Current form: 6/10

Another who is struggling in a struggling team. Has made the team look marginally better but any player would struggle in this run of form.

England squad rating: 4/10

He came back to the Premier League with the sole purpose of more regular games, to play in English football so he could get up to speed and the physicality needed for the World Cup. And so far it has been nowhere near the level required.

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Do you agree with John Cross? Have your say with our England squad slider - in or out - below...

Here’s John Cross’s latest ratings for how likely each player is to make the England squad (ranked out of 10)

The players are ranked in order in their positions.

Goalkeepers

Right Backs

Left Backs

Central Defenders

Midfielders

Right Forwards

Left Forwards

No10s

Strikers

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