England's World Cup Squad Numbers Tell a Story – and Eze Must Resist Another Early Exit

Thomas Tuchel's squad numbers are in, and they practically scream one unmistakable message: Jordan Henderson absolutely must start against Croatia.

The allocation also hints at something rather chaotic brewing for Reece James – a rare glimpse into what might unfold based on the historical patterns set by England's previous three major tournament squads at Euro 2020, World Cup 2022, and Euro 2024.

The Keepers and Defenders

Jordan Pickford wears the No. 1 for a third World Cup, a distinction no other England goalkeeper has achieved. He sits second only to his current captain in Three Lions appearances at major tournaments, with 26 to his name. Few kept cleaner sheets at Qatar 2022 than the man who claimed the Euro 2021 Golden Gloves.

Ezri Konsa takes the No. 2, finally breaking Kyle Walker's iron grip on the jersey – a grip that's lasted since 2014. Glen Johnson was the previous wearer at a World Cup or Euros. By historical precedent, Konsa ought to be remarkably quick but somewhat dodgy at the back. Walker's Euro 2024 final display still lingers uncomfortably.

Nico O'Reilly claims the No. 3, marking the fourth successive World Cup where a new face dons this shirt. Leighton Baines wore it in 2014, Danny Rose didn't feature in 2018, Luke Shaw took it in 2022 before making his sole start in the Euro 2024 final. O'Reilly has decisively won what was once a genuinely competitive race for England's primary left-back spot.

Declan Rice continues at No. 4, a number previously worn by Eric Dier, James Milner, Steven Gerrard, and Trevor Sinclair – proper heritage, that.

John Stones holds No. 5, following in the footsteps of Gary Cahill, Martin Kelly, Michael Dawson, Rio Ferdinand, and John Terry. Imagine facing that lot at Powerleague.

Marc Guehi wears No. 6, a decision that left Harry Maguire and his family distinctly unimpressed. Yet they should've seen it coming – Maguire in any other England shirt would've felt wrong.

The Midfield and Attacking Options

Bukayo Saka takes the No. 7 at left wing-back, a prospect that still unsettles plenty. The various Jack Grealish calls of yesteryear suddenly seem rather appealing.

Elliot Anderson gets No. 8, while the Trent Alexander-Arnold Euro 2024 experiment – where he was hauled off after 69 and 54 minutes in the opening games, then barely featured – has been entirely airbrushed from memory. Tuchel probably won't be conducting mid-tournament midfield experiments or pining for Kalvin Phillips.

Harry Kane wears the No. 9. The last two England players to take a major tournament wearing this number? Daniel Sturridge and Andy Carroll. That's the benchmark.

Jude Bellingham claims No. 10, though memories of Raheem Sterling at Euro 2020 sting. Bellingham himself was largely dreadful throughout Euro 2024 in this role, yet his capacity for producing moments of sheer absurdity remains intoxicating.

Marcus Rashford gets No. 11, a shirt that weighed heavily on Phil Foden during Euro 2024. For those believing Rashford's allocation signals he'll start, consider this: he managed just 228 of a possible 1,140 minutes wearing this number at Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup.

The Squad Depth

Tino Livramento takes No. 12, Gareth Southgate's spiritual successor to Kieran Trippier – a number one might've expected to be retired in his honour.

Dean Henderson wears No. 13, continuing a succession of Ramsdale, Pope, Ramsdale. He won't take a move to Newcastle lightly.

Jordan Henderson gets No. 14. It would be shocking if he replicated Phillips' Euro 2020 breakout. More likely is a Konsa-type role – used sparingly.

Dan Burn claims No. 15, the contentious fourth-choice centre-half pick. He follows Tyrone Mings (192 of 160 minutes at Euro 2020), Eric Dier (36 of 450 at World Cup 2022), and Lewis Dunk (unused at Euro 2024).

Kobbie Mainoo wears No. 16. Conor Coady featured in neither Euro 2020 nor the 2022 World Cup in this role. Conor Gallagher unfortunately did at Euro 2024 and was "killed" in the process.

Morgan Rogers takes No. 17. Jadon Sancho missed a crucial penalty shootout at Euro 2020. Ivan Toney scored his at Euro 2024. Saka was England's joint-top scorer at the 2022 World Cup in between. Rogers faces an unforgettable tournament either way.

Anthony Gordon gets No. 18. England's three No. 18s in the 26-man squad era have been given a combined 54 minutes. Barcelona's newest signing should eclipse those efforts.

Ollie Watkins wears No. 19 for the second consecutive tournament. Mason Mount featured far more regularly in 2020 and 2022, yet Watkins delivered one of England's most iconic moments in 2024.

Noni Madueke claims No. 20. Foden played 158 and 258 minutes at Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup respectively. Jarrod Bowen managed just 35 at Euro 2024. Madueke coming on as a substitute in every game feels inevitable.

The Controversy

Eberechi Eze gets No. 21 – and here's where things get interesting. He managed to resist the urge to channel Benjamin White, his No. 21 predecessor at Euro 2024, who left the camp early following a disagreement with coaching staff. The hope is that neither Anthony Barry nor Henrique Hilario ask Eze how he feels about his Arsenal move.

Ivan Toney wears No. 22. Benjamin White didn't play in this number at Euro 2020. Joe Gomez didn't at Euro 2024. Jude Bellingham very much did at the World Cup in between. Unless England head toward penalties, Toney is likelier to follow the first two.

James Trafford gets No. 23, the designated third-choice keeper slot. Sam Johnstone, Ramsdale, and Henderson all wore it before him.

The Wild Card

Reece James takes No. 24, a rare case of a number outside the standard 23 going to a likely starter. James remains the only player to start for England at a major tournament wearing No. 24, dating back to June 2021's goalless draw with Scotland. Callum Wilson grabbed a World Cup assist from this number, while Cole Palmer set up the winner in the Euro 2024 semi and scored in the final. James could be about to do something extraordinary.

Djed Spence wears No. 25. Neither James Maddison nor Adam Wharton played in their tournaments, with this number generally reserved for a squad option wildcard. Saka held it five years ago but ended up playing a crucial role – all too important, sadly, given that penalty miss against Italy.

Jarell Quansah gets No. 26. A similar story applies here. Bellingham played 58 minutes at Euro 2020. Gallagher didn't feature at all during the 2022 World Cup. Kobbie Mainoo was finally thrown into the deep end and understandably drowned in that Euro 2024 final against Spain.