Breaking news: The first three names leaked for England's 2026 World Cup squad include a Manchester United player, with one returning after an 8-year absence from the team.
On 12 May 2026, The Telegraph, a leading UK media outlet, reported that the initial three names for England's final 2026 World Cup squad have been leaked ahead of the official 55-player shortlist announcement for the final 26 selection.
Sources stated, "Danny Welbeck, Luke Shaw, and Jarrad Branthwaite are set to be included in England's preliminary squad for the World Cup. Thomas Tuchel will submit a maximum 55-player list to FIFA by today's deadline and finalize the 26-man roster by 22 May."
If confirmed, Danny Welbeck will return to the England squad for the first time in nearly 8 years, since the international friendly on 11 September 2018 when England beat Switzerland 1-0 at Leicester City's King Power Stadium.
Danny Welbeck, 35, has performed excellently for Brighton & Hove Albion this season, playing 38 matches in all competitions with 14 goals and 2 assists, helping the team sit 7th in the Premier League with a chance to qualify for the Europa League or possibly the UEFA Champions League if Brighton finishes 6th and Aston Villa, who won the Europa League, finish 5th.
Meanwhile, Luke Shaw, the 30-year-old left-back who played all 36 Premier League matches for Manchester United this season, is expected to rejoin the England squad after nearly 2 years, having last played in the Euro 2024 final on 14 July 2024, where England lost 1-2 to Spain.
Jarrad Branthwaite, the 23-year-old defender, still has hope to make England's World Cup squad despite suffering a hamstring injury that limited him to just 10 Premier League appearances for Everton this season. His injury occurred in the 1-2 loss to Liverpool on 19 April. His only England cap came in a friendly 3-0 win over Bosnia at Newcastle's St. James' Park on 3 June 2024.
17 June 2026: England vs. Croatia
23 June 2026: England vs. Ghana
27 June 2026: Panama vs. England
