The 2034 World Cup may be nine years down the line, but fans of the England national team are already buzzing with excitement at the prospect of seeing a fresh wave of talent donning the Three Lions jersey. While stalwarts like Harry Kane, Jordan Pickford, and John Stones will likely have hung up their boots by then, it opens the door for a new generation of stars to emerge and redefine what it means to represent England on the world stage.
Imagining England’s potential lineup in a 4-2-3-1 formation, it’s fascinating to consider how these young players will develop over the next decade. Let’s dive into our early predictions for the squad that could take the field in Saudi Arabia for the 2034 tournament.
GK: James Trafford
As we look ahead, James Trafford seems like a natural successor to Jordan Pickford. At the 2034 World Cup, he’ll be at a similar stage in his career as Pickford was in the 2026 World Cup. By then, the Manchester City goalkeeper will likely have accumulated valuable international experience. Trafford’s composure under pressure and impressive shot-stopping ability make him a frontrunner for the role, as he settles into his prime years.
RB: Rico Lewis
Fast forward to 2034, and Rico Lewis should be hitting his stride just as he approaches 30. England has a rich legacy of outstanding right-backs, and Lewis possesses the technical prowess to become a cornerstone of the national team. His quick feet and keen tactical awareness could be exactly what England needs on the right flank.
CB: Josh Acheampong
Josh Acheampong is a name to watch closely. Former Chelsea legend John Obi Mikel has praised him, saying, “Every time I see the kid play, he shows so much potential.” Sure, he’s just 19 now, but given his height and athleticism, there’s a good chance he’ll flourish physically over the next few years. With the right focus on fitness and development, Acheampong could evolve into a dominant force in central defense come 2034.
CB: Levi Colwill
Colwill, currently 22, has already established himself in the Chelsea setup, and he has the qualities that suggest he will maintain a presence in the England squad through the next decade. By 2034, he’ll be in his early thirties, which is a sweet spot for center-backs, providing the blend of youth and experience needed for international competitions. We have a good feeling he’ll still be wearing the Three Lions crest by then.
LB: Myles Lewis-Skelly
Myles Lewis-Skelly is one of the most exciting prospects in this lineup. Come 2034, at just 28, he could already be a seasoned player with multiple caps. He’s made a mark early on, already winning five caps for England since his debut, and if he continues on this upward trajectory, he could establish himself as one of the leading full-backs in the world.
CM: Adam Wharton
For many fans, Adam Wharton’s name is already buzzing as a potential starter for the national team. It’s not far-fetched to imagine him stepping into a role similar to what Declan Rice holds now. By the time the World Cup arrives, Wharton could be the lynchpin in the midfield, steering the team with newfound experience and leadership.
CM: Jude Bellingham
Jude Bellingham is a phenomenal talent who’s racked up a remarkable number of caps at such a young age. At just 22, he could very well end up being England’s most-capped player ever! By 2034, he’ll still be only 31, which is practically astonishing considering his presence in the squad. Bellingham’s blend of skill, creativity, and tenacity will undoubtedly be pivotal for England’s success in the years to come.
RM: Max Dowman
Looking ahead, Max Dowman could be a revelation for England on the right wing. With established stars like Cole Palmer and Bukayo Saka likely toward the twilight of their careers by 2034, Dowman will only be 24 and should have gained substantial experience by then. One scout went as far as to say he’s the best talent England has produced since Wayne Rooney. High praise, indeed! With such real potential, Dowman could make a lasting impression on English football.
CAM: Ethan Nwaneri
Ethan Nwaneri might still be waiting for his senior debut at this moment, but he’s already shone brightly for the Under-21s. Equipped to play anywhere in attack, he has all the makings of a top-class No. 10. With nine goals for Arsenal already, Nwaneri is on a trajectory that suggests he’ll carve out a regular spot in the England setup by 2034.
LM: Rio Ngumoha
Rio Ngumoha is another player brimming with potential—by 2034, he’ll be just 26 years old. His ambition is sky-high; he’s openly stated that he aspires to win the Ballon d’Or one day. With innate speed and dynamism on the left flank, Ngumoha could become an invaluable asset for England as they aim for glory.
ST: Divin Mubama
Picking a striker for England in 2034 feels like a bit of a gamble, given the uncertainty at this position. However, Divin Mubama, currently dazzling in the Under-21s, stands out. At just 20, he’s showing signs of potential with Manchester City and is on loan to Championship side Stoke, where he’s already making waves. By the time the 2034 World Cup rolls around, we could be looking at a well-rounded striker with undeniable flair for leading the line.
As fans, it’s exciting to speculate, isn’t it? While we wait for 2034 to arrive, the journey these young players take will be just as thrilling. With fresh talent on the horizon, the future for England’s national football team is indeed bright.
