The FIFA World Cup 2026 kicks off on Thursday — the largest tournament in history at 48 teams — with Mexico hosting South Africa in Mexico City in the opening fixture. England enter the competition on June 17 against Croatia, and Thomas Tuchel's 26-man squad carries a quiet piece of history: two players who lifted the FIFA U20 World Cup eight years ago.

England's 2017 U20 World Cup squad — who made it?

England won the 2017 FIFA U20 World Cup, defeating Venezuela 1-0 in the final. Of that triumphant group, only two players earned a place in Tuchel's senior squad for 2026.

The first is centre-back Ezri Konsa, whose contribution in 2017 amounted to a single minute of tournament football — yet he departs for North America as one of England's key defenders.

The second is goalkeeper Dean Henderson, who started England's group-stage match — a 1-1 draw against Guinea — at that same tournament. Henderson earned his place in the 26-man group despite spending much of the club season as Liverpool's third-choice goalkeeper, receiving limited appearances only after injuries to Giorgi Mamardashvili and Alisson Becker.

The standout stars who missed out

Dominic Solanke was the defining figure of England's 2017 U20 campaign, claiming the Golden Ball as Player of the Tournament — a list that includes Lionel Messi, Diego Maradona, and Sergio Aguero among its previous recipients. Now 28, Solanke could not secure his spot in Tuchel's plans after a difficult season at relegation-battling Tottenham Hotspur, having previously represented Liverpool and Bournemouth.

The Golden Glove winner from that tournament was Freddie Woodman, then on Newcastle United's books, who is absent from the current squad. Liverpool's third-choice shot-stopper Henderson claimed his senior berth instead.

A U17 World Cup winner also features

Tuchel's selection contains one further tournament winner at youth level: centre-back Marc Guehi, who was part of the England side that claimed the FIFA U17 World Cup. Guehi partners Konsa at the heart of England's defence for 2026.

Phil Foden, who lifted that U17 trophy alongside Guehi, is among the most prominent absentees from Tuchel's squad — a notable omission that has drawn widespread attention. Morgan Gibbs-White, another member of that U17 winning group, also finds himself on the outside looking in.

England begin their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign against Croatia on June 17.