England Player Ratings: Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice and Tuchel's World Cup squad 'untouchables'

In our weekly series, our Chief Football Writer John Cross gives his latest England player ratings for Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup 2026 squad

Bukayo Saka remains one of the first names on the England team sheet. However, it must be acknowledged that this campaign has not quite reached the exceptional heights the Arsenal winger has set for himself in previous seasons.

That said, Saka rediscovered his finest form during Sunday's North London derby triumph at Tottenham. The 23-year-old was outstanding whilst wearing the captain's armband, setting the tempo and displaying the character and leadership qualities that perhaps don't receive sufficient recognition.

He forms part of Arsenal's leadership group, served as a senior figure in the England squad under Gareth Southgate, and remains someone the current crop of players admire. When naming the guaranteed starters... they include Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Saka, Declan Rice, Jordan Pickford and Marc Guehi.

Another player featuring prominently on Thomas Tuchel's World Cup radar is Ezri Konsa. The England boss rates him highly, whilst Elliot Anderson is also firmly in contention.

Yet even those two don't feature amongst England's six indispensable players and, when seeking dependability and consistency, Saka invariably produces the goods for the Three Lions.

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England Player Ratings this week

As part of a weekly series 'England Player Ratings' counting down to the World Cup, The Mirror's chief football writer, John Cross, gave his verdict on the Three Lions stars who featured in the North London Derby from Arsenal and Spurs.

Bukayo Saka stole the show for the Gunners, with Cross giving him an 8/10 and writing: "His best performance for some time as he shone, made things happen and led by example. This was a performance with a real message that Arsenal were back in the title race - and Saka set the tone."

Although the England international's current form has been 'mixed,' Cross added: "He has a new contract to celebrate and he is Arsenal’s crown jewel. But when you are as good as him and as reliable as him, that drives very high standards.

"There is absolutely no doubt that he is in the team and starting XI never mind the squad. He is one of England’s untouchables."

Declan Rice concern

Declan Rice's display against Spurs was not his finest, with the midfielder given a rating of 6/10 to match his current form, and Cross said: "His mistake - albeit a very rare one - gifted Tottenham an equaliser and that made it a more average game than a standout for Arsenal’s midfield kingpin. You could see his determination and desire to put things right - and he did.

"The biggest worry for England over Rice will be whether he will ever get tired or run out of energy. He plays so many games and he always plays with such heart, intensity and energy. What a player. He will surely be Arsenal’s Player of the Year and if Arsenal win the title then he should be Footballer of the Year."

Nevertheless, Rice is almost nailed on to start for England in the summer, and Cross said: "He is absolutely stitched on for the England starting line-up. He is full of energy and power. He will be England’s driving force in the United States."

'Game-changing' display from Gunners star

Cross was left raving about Eberechi Eze's display against Spurs, giving him an 8/10 match rating and said: "Wow. This was a game-changing performance. Two goals, a marauding display as he covered every blade of grass and one filled with quality. He is a No10 and revelled in the central role. Anything else is a compromise. Give him the opportunities - and he will take them.

"He was good in the FA Cup against Wigan but then got dropped at Wolves when Arteta chose to use Bukayo Saka in the No10 role and picking a winger over Eze as the specialist felt like the lowest point. Fair play to Eze for then proving his point against Tottenham on Sunday."

He believes Eze has a 6/10 chance of making the Three Lions World Cup squad this summer and said: "It is going to be a really tight call because Eze has to be in the mix for the No10s rather than an either or for the left wingers and central players. But the No10 is a crowded market with Eze, Jude Bellingham, Morgan Rogers, Phil Foden, Cole Palmer and arguably even Morgan Gibbs-White. Only Bellingham and Rogers look guaranteed and there may only be one other place."

Spurs duo struggle

Spurs are enduring another torrid season and the England international's in their ranks are also struggling. Djed Spence and Conor Gallagher featured in the North London Derby, but couldn't get to grips with the Gunners.

"This was a struggle," Cross said when giving Spence a 5/10. "He played at left wing back and Saka had him on toast as the saying goes. Very few chances to get forward because he was overwhelmed from a defensive point of view.

"He looks every inch a player struggling for confidence in a struggling team. His chances of making the cut are fading by the week.

"He was elevated to the squad in the first place by momentum and form. Without that momentum and a dip in form, he is losing ground fast. Even his bonus of filling either side no longer seems so relevant."

As for Gallagher, he was also given a 5/10 macth rating and Cross said: "Could not get a handle on Arsenal’s midfield. Was left chasing shadows and, even though he was brought in to close down and try to frustrate, Gallagher just could not get a grip. Tottenham’s own version of the dogs of war lacked any bite.

"Another who is struggling in a struggling team. Has made the team look marginally better but any player would struggle in this run of form.

"He came back to the Premier League with the sole purpose of more regular games, to play in English football so he could get up to speed and the physicality needed for the World Cup. And so far it has been nowhere near the level required."

You can have your say and choose your England squad below...

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