England's Predicted XI in 10 Years

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What could England's starting XI look like in 10 years?

With the discourse right now around young players development and first team game time, here could be the next generation of English players.

Here is my predicted England XI for 2036 featuring a mix of established internationals, Premier League youngsters and some of the country's most exciting prospects.

GK — James Trafford

Trafford has already had a taste of senior international football, making his England debut in 2026. His biggest selling point is his ability with the ball at his feet, while his penalty-saving heroics for England U21s at the 2023 European Championship showed his mentality on the biggest stage. At 33 in 2036, he could be entering his prime as an international goalkeeper.

RB — Josh Acheampong

Acheampong is one of the most versatile defenders in this group. The Chelsea academy graduate has experience at right-back and centre-back and has represented England from U16 through to U21 level. His physical profile, composure and ability to play multiple positions could make him a hugely valuable player for England over the next decade.

CB — Zach Abbott

A Nottingham Forest academy graduate, Abbott has already progressed through England's youth setup and earned senior football experience at club level. He was part of the England U18 group alongside several of the players on this list before progressing to the U20s. A composed centre-back with plenty of time to develop, Abbott could eventually become a fixture in the England defence.

CB — Callum Doyle

Doyle has already taken a less conventional route to the top. After coming through Manchester City's academy, he spent time on loan at Sunderland, Coventry, Leicester and Norwich before joining Wrexham. By 2026, he has established himself as an important Championship defender and was named in the league's Team of the Season. At 32 in 2036, his experience could be invaluable if he continues improving and gaining more experience.

LB — Nico O'Reilly

One of the most intriguing players in this XI. O'Reilly has already broken into Manchester City's first team and England's senior setup, even starting England's opening game of the 2026 World Cup. Naturally a midfielder, he has also developed into an extremely effective left-back, giving England another option in possession. His versatility could make him one of the most important players in this team for years to come.

CM — Alex Scott

Scott has steadily developed into one of Bournemouth's most reliable midfielders. The Guernsey-born midfielder has played as a deep midfielder, central midfielder and attacking midfielder, giving him plenty of tactical flexibility. He has also won both the U19 and U21 European Championships with England and received his first senior call-up in 2025. A big move in the next 12 months could propel his career significantly.

CM — Trey Nyoni

Nyoni is one of the youngest players in this XI and perhaps one of the biggest long-term projects. The Liverpool midfielder has already represented England at U16, U17, U18, U19 and U20 level. Technically gifted and comfortable operating between the lines, Nyoni has the potential to develop into a midfielder capable of controlling games at the highest level.

RM — Max Dowman

At just 16, Dowman is already generating enormous attention. The Arsenal youngster has become one of the youngest players to score in Premier League history and has already made an impact in senior football. He can play as an attacking midfielder or winger, combining close control, creativity and an ability to find space around the box. If his development continues, Dowman could be one of the faces of English football in the 2030s.

CAM — Jude Bellingham

The obvious inclusion. Bellingham is already one of England's established superstars, having made his senior debut at just 17. By 2036 he would be 33, meaning this predicted XI would potentially feature him alongside players who are currently teenagers. His leadership, experience and ability to influence games from midfield could make him the senior figure in this team.

LM — Rio Ngumoha

Ngumoha is another Liverpool youngster with an enormous ceiling. Having previously been at Chelsea, he moved to Liverpool and became the club's youngest-ever Premier League player. He has represented England from U15 through to U19 level and possesses the explosive dribbling and directness needed to play from the wing. At 27 in 2036, he could be entering his prime.

ST — Will Lankshear

Lankshear provides the traditional number nine option. The former Tottenham striker has already represented England at U19, U20 and U21 level and has developed a reputation for being a natural finisher. At 31 in 2036, he could provide the experience and physical presence required to lead the line.

A huge amount can obviously change over the next decade with talent emerging that nobody even knows about right now, but the talent coming through England's youth system means the future looks fascinating.

And if even a handful of these players reach their potential, England could have a seriously talented core heading into the mid-2030s.