England predicted XI vs Wales with Harry Kane replacement and Marcus Rashford decision

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England are back in action over the October international break, as they continue their preparations towards the 2026 World Cup.

So far, the Thomas Tuchel era has consisted of building a team and an identity that can firstly qualify for the competition, and secondly, try to win it.

Over the past few years, England have come close to winning tournaments, but keep falling just short at the final few hurdles.

With Tuchel in charge, there is fresh hope of getting over the line, with this month offering a chance to seal qualification.

Before then, there is a friendly for the Three Lions to contend with, as they take on Wales at Wembley.

The squad is missing some big names, such as Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, and Jack Grealish, as the staff look to balance fitness and quality options.

So, with that said, here’s a look at the predicted lineup for England vs Wales.

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England predicted lineup and team news vs Wales

England’s clash with Wales brings plenty of dilemmas for Thomas Tuchel, as he starts to think ahead to the World Cup.

The Three Lions have a clash with Latvia the following week that could seal qualification, which is important but poses less of a challenge than Wales, but in a less competitive environment.

For that reason, Tuchel will have to debate over which team he experiments with over the two games.

England captain Harry Kane will miss out against Wales, but he will be available to take on Latvia in midweek.

It means a chance is up for grabs for someone, with Ollie Watkins being the most natural fit within the squad.

Injury and fitness issues for the likes of Cole Palmer, Reece James, Noni Madueke, Levi Colwill, Jude Bellingham and Trent Alexander-Arnold open up the possibility of some other chances too.

Jordan Pickford could retain his place in goal, while Djed Spence is the only recognised right-back in the squad.

Experience at centre-back is light, so a pairing of John Stones and Marc Guehi could be rolled out again.

Left-back is still up for grabs, with Myles Lewis-Skelly available, but perhaps better suited for a ball-dominant display against Latvia, so Dan Burn is another option.

A midfield pairing of Elliot Anderson and Declan Rice worked well last time out, which could get them a run out again.

The forward positions still look stacked with quality, with Marcus Rashford an option from the left or up front if Tuchel opts for him, while Anthony Gordon can also play there.

The number ten position will be contested by Eberechi Eze, Morgan Rogers or Morgan Gibbs-White, though the former is in better form.

Bukayo Saka could be in line for an immediate return to the side, following injury to Noni Madueke.

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Thomas Tuchel has defended England squad selection

The most recent England squad has seen a similar group of players picked to the previous international break.

That is despite the return of some key stars for their clubs, such as Foden, Bellingham and Grealish finding some form.

With just two more international breaks after October before the World Cup squad announcement, the latest group has been criticised by fans and pundits.

Tuchel has looked to defend that, as he recently told the press: “We can only make it [winning the World Cup] happen if we arrive with a strong, strong team.”

“We decided to stick mostly with the team that had a brilliant camp last time.

“Already we have some injuries, we cannot play with the same 11 against Serbia, because four players are already missing. It’s natural that we have changes.

“But we believe in what we’re building, we believe in what we feel, we believe in what we’re seeing with this team and this squad and the competition is on.

“I’m not surprised I’m questioned about my decisions, and people agree or don’t agree, but that’s the nature of the job.

“The feedback after our last match was very positive, and all the credit goes to the team. The fans in the stadium and at home felt we played as a team, that was most important.”

It could be a chance for some stars to really stake their claim over the international break, as England edge closer to qualification for the World Cup.