England Forum - FIFA World Cup 2026: Other Teams Thread

Kane is the kind of player who can play until he's 40. He's never had pace so that's not a worry, he's playing in a less demanding league. He strikes me as someone who would declare for England until they don't want him anymore

 

Haaland would be eligible but we never produced him so I Don't know if that counts

 

Greenwood could rotate in/out this team up front with Balogun.

 

Would not count. Its not about eligibility, its strictly about players who were directly produced by English football.

 

Imagine if we had Kane and Haaland.

 

What about Evan fergurson . Developed by Brighton. Eligible through an English grandparent

 

Hes disappeared off the face of the earth

 

Went to roma. Did ok then picked up a bad injury

 

Ferguson was developed in Ireland and moved to Brighton at 16.

 

Still development by Brighton. He wouldn't be the player he is if he hadn't come to England

 

I am not sure the FA would want him either. His brother would be a PR issue to deal with.

 

16 is where I would draw the line. You could also make a similar logical argument for a player who moves country after turning pro, but continues to develop as a footballer. Would that player now be a product of England, because they moved as a young pro and became better after plying their trade in the English pyramid?

I would not feel comfortable claiming a player who moved to England at 16+ as being produced by England's academy ecosystem. That would be far too late for me.

 

A huge blow for Belgium with Youri Tielemans injured in the warm-up. Hans Vanaken has replaced him in midfield.

Spain vs Belgium live blog: https://t.co/tc55WnqwYO pic.twitter.com/si70cV4O6V

— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) July 10, 2026

 

Spain scores

 

Courtois pushed it straight into the middle of the goal area. Should have done better.

 

He almost did it again

 

David Oliver should give himself a yellow there.

 

This could end up being a hammering for Belgium.

 

Oh, maybe not!!

 

Belgium is growing into the tournament.

 

Really good goal.

 

Belgium equalise

 

This is a high quality match. Expect Spain to win but Belgium are a far greater challenge than Morocco were for France.

 

There's a bit of life left in the old dog. Imagine what a good manager could have done with them in Russia or Qatar.

 

Think Belgium may run out of legs second half.