There’s nothing quite like the buzz of an England match day — the build-up, the kick-off time debate, and the scramble to find which channel it’s on. Whether you’re planning your summer around the World Cup or just trying to catch the next friendly, this guide brings together the confirmed fixtures, broadcast details, and the latest squad news you actually need.

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Next match: vs Belgium, June 2026 (World Cup group stage) ·
Recent match: England 2-1 Croatia (friendly, March 2026) ·
All-time top scorer: Harry Kane (69 goals) ·
Current manager: Thomas Tuchel ·
FIFA world ranking: 4th (as of March 2026)

Quick snapshot

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2Recent Result
3Top Scorer
4Manager

Six key stats that frame the England team’s current standing, from its 1863 founding to today’s squad.

Attribute Value
Founded 1863
First match Scotland 0–0 England (1872)
Most caps Peter Shilton (125)
Top scorer Harry Kane (69)
Current manager Thomas Tuchel
Home stadium Wembley Stadium

The pattern: England’s depth in attacking talent is reflected in Kane’s active scoring record, while Tuchel’s early appointment gives him two years of preparation before the World Cup.

Why this matters

With the World Cup approaching, knowing England’s official fixtures and broadcast channels is the difference between catching every kick and scrambling for a replay. The 2026 World Cup runs from June 11 to July 19, with England’s group stage matches already scheduled.

What are today’s England football fixtures?

England’s senior men’s team has two confirmed group-stage matches in the 2026 World Cup so far, with more to be announced after the draw. The tournament’s group stage runs from June 11 to June 27, 2026, according to DAZN’s World Cup 2026 guide.

Upcoming matches in 2026

Recent results and scores

The implication: England’s squad depth is being tested early, with key players already missing through illness. The Croatia result shows the team can win without its full first XI, but World Cup group stage opponents will be a sterner test.

The upshot

England fans planning travel to the US for the World Cup should book around the confirmed Croatia and Ghana fixtures — these are the only two group games with set dates and venues so far. The full 104-match schedule runs across 11 US cities.

How to watch England national football team games on TV?

All of England’s World Cup 2026 matches will be broadcast live in the UK, with coverage split across free-to-air and subscription channels. Here’s what you need to know for each platform.

TV channels broadcasting England games

  • BBC One – will broadcast selected England matches, including the group game vs Ghana (FourFourTwo guide)
  • ITV – shares UK rights; exact England matches to be confirmed
  • Sky Sports – subscription channel with comprehensive coverage and analysis (Sky Sports fixtures)

Live streaming options

For viewers outside the UK, the tournament will be available on Fox and FS1 in the US, along with streaming via YouTube TV and Fubo (TechRadar streaming guide).

Kick-off times and scheduling

  • England’s two confirmed group matches both kick off at 9pm UK time (local time in Dallas and Boston) (Sky Sports schedule)
  • Full schedule at England Football official fixtures
Bottom line: UK fans can watch every England World Cup match free via BBC iPlayer or ITVX. For US viewers, Fox and Fubo are the primary options. The 9pm UK kick-off times mean late-evening viewing for British audiences.

What this means: the broadcast landscape is simpler than in previous tournaments — free-to-air coverage in the UK and a single streaming ecosystem in the US. No need for multiple subscriptions if you’re in Britain.

Why is Phil Foden not in the England squad?

Phil Foden was absent from England’s March 2026 friendly against Croatia due to illness, as confirmed by manager Thomas Tuchel. The Manchester City playmaker did not travel with the squad for that match.

Recent injury or illness

  • Tuchel stated: “Phil is ill and will not travel with the squad.” (BBC Sport scores & fixtures)
  • No further medical details have been released beyond “illness.”

Squad selection decisions

  • Foden’s absence was treated as a short-term issue; no indication of a falling-out
  • Tuchel has not commented on whether Foden will be available for the World Cup opener in June

Foden’s current form

The catch: Foden’s illness is being treated as a temporary absence, but with the World Cup less than three months away, any prolonged health issue could shake up Tuchel’s attacking plans. England’s depth in midfield means options exist, but Foden’s creativity is hard to replace.

What to watch

If Foden misses June’s World Cup opener, Tuchel will likely turn to Jack Grealish or James Maddison as the left-sided attacking midfielder. The March friendly without Foden showed the team can still score, but the quality of opposition was lower than what Belgium will bring.

Timeline: England football team key events in 2026

  • March 2026 – Friendly: England 2-1 Croatia; Phil Foden misses due to illness (BBC Sport scores & fixtures)
  • June 2026 – FIFA World Cup group stage begins (England vs Croatia 17 June, vs Ghana 23 June) (Sky Sports schedule)
  • September 2026 – UEFA Nations League fixtures start (UEFA Nations League official site)

Why this matters: the compressed timeline between March’s friendly and the World Cup opener leaves little room for squad experimentation. Tuchel must finalise his 26-man squad by early June, with fitness doubts over Foden adding pressure.

What we know vs what’s still unclear

Confirmed facts

  • England qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup (FIFA World Cup 2026)
  • Phil Foden was absent from the March 2026 friendly due to illness (BBC Sport scores & fixtures)
  • Thomas Tuchel is the current England manager (The FA official site)

What’s unclear

  • Whether Foden will be available for the World Cup opener
  • Exact reason for Foden’s absence beyond “illness”

What Thomas Tuchel said

“Phil is ill and will not travel with the squad.”

Thomas Tuchel, England manager, before the Croatia friendly (March 2026) – BBC Sport scores & fixtures

Tuchel’s brief statement offered no further detail, leaving fans and pundits to speculate about Foden’s longer-term availability. The manager’s typical openness suggests this was a genuine short-term illness, not a disciplinary issue.

England national football team games: your questions answered

What time do England matches usually start?

Most England games kick off between 7:45pm and 9pm UK time for evening matches, with some weekend fixtures at 3pm. World Cup 2026 group games are scheduled at 9pm UK time.

How can I buy tickets for England games?

Tickets for England matches are sold through the The FA’s official ticket portal. Membership with the England Supporters Club offers priority access.

Do England games ever get rescheduled?

Yes, matches can be moved due to TV broadcast selections, venue changes, or weather. Official updates are posted on England Football’s fixtures page.

Why do England play some games at Wembley?

Wembley Stadium is the home ground of the England national team. Most home games are played there, but some friendlies and qualifiers are held at other venues across the country.

What formation does the England team typically use?

Under Thomas Tuchel, England has predominantly used a 4-3-3 formation, with variations to a 3-4-3 depending on the opponent. This was seen in the Croatia friendly.

How many England games are there per year?

The senior men’s team typically plays 10 to 15 matches per calendar year, including friendlies, World Cup qualifiers, Nations League ties, and tournament fixtures. In 2026, the World Cup adds at least 3 group games.

Who decides the England squad?

The England manager, currently Thomas Tuchel, selects the squad in consultation with his coaching staff. The final 26-man World Cup squad must be submitted to FIFA by early June 2026.

For the thousands of England fans planning their summer around the World Cup, the choice is becoming clearer: book your travel around the confirmed Croatia and Ghana group games, and rely on free-to-air coverage via BBC iPlayer or ITVX to watch every match. Missing Phil Foden’s creativity would be a blow, but Tuchel’s squad depth means there are capable replacements ready to step up.