England’s World Cup preparations have been rocked by an apparent leak that appears to reveal every squad number Thomas Tuchel’s players will wear in North America this summer.
The Three Lions begin their campaign against Croatia on June 17, but attention has already turned to a fifa document circulating online which claims to show the official squad numbers for all participating nations.
If accurate, the leak could offer an intriguing insight into how Tuchel plans to line up his side for the tournament – with one notable decision involving Jude Bellingham immediately catching the eye.
The Real Madrid star has reportedly been handed England’s iconic No 10 shirt, a move that many supporters will interpret as confirmation of his status as the team’s central figure heading into the competition.
Bellingham has become one of England’s most influential players in recent years and appears to have been preferred for the prestigious number ahead of several other attacking options in the squad.
Captain Harry Kane is expectedly listed as No 9, while Bukayo Saka has retained the No 7 shirt he has worn regularly for both club and country.
Jordan Pickford remains England’s first-choice goalkeeper and is reportedly set to wear the No 1 shirt, with Dean Henderson taking No 13 and James Trafford receiving No 23.
England’s World Cup preparations have been rocked by an apparent leak that appears to reveal every squad number Thomas Tuchel’s players will wear in North America this summer
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GETTY
Jude Bellingham is scrapping with Morgan Rogers to make England’s World Cup starting XI
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Elsewhere, some supporters believe squad numbers may provide clues regarding Tuchel’s tactical thinking.
Ezri Konsa has reportedly been allocated the No 2 shirt, traditionally associated with right-backs, despite spending much of his career operating as a central defender.
The Aston Villa star has previously filled in on the right flank for both club and country and the number assignment has fuelled speculation he could feature there during the tournament.
England’s record at the World Cup | GETTY/ GB NEWS
Manchester City’s Nico O’Reilly is listed with No 3, while Declan Rice takes the familiar No 4 shirt.
At the heart of defence, John Stones and Marc Guehi appear to have been handed Nos 5 and 6 respectively, potentially indicating Tuchel’s preferred central defensive partnership.
Dan Burn is listed as No 15, while Jarell Quansah has reportedly received No 26, the highest number in the squad.
Further forward, Marcus Rashford is said to have been awarded the No 11 shirt, edging out Anthony Gordon, who is listed as No 18.
Morgan Rogers swaps his usual club number for No 17, while Ollie Watkins takes No 19 after his heroics for England in recent tournaments.
Arsenal winger Noni Madueke is reportedly set to wear No 20, with Eberechi Eze one number higher on 21.
Ivan Toney is poised to wear the No 22 shirt for England at this summer’s World Cup
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Ivan Toney’s return to the international fold is reflected by the No 22 shirt, while Reece James has held onto his familiar No 24.
That particular decision has also raised eyebrows, with some fans wondering whether the Chelsea defender remains firmly in Tuchel’s plans despite fierce competition for places.
Djed Spence completes the reported squad list with No 25 as England count down to their opening fixture and hopes of ending nearly six decades of World Cup hurt.
For now, the Football Association has yet to officially confirm the numbers. Whether they prove accurate remains to be seen.
