Michael Owen has expressed concern over England's wide attacking options at the 2026 World Cup, with Noni Madueke and Anthony Gordon failing to deliver the impact expected before the tournament began. The former Three Lions striker told GOAL that the quartet of wingers available to manager Thomas Tuchel has "not really worked out" despite high pre-tournament expectations.
Wingers Underperform Despite Quality Squad Depth
Prior to the North American tournament, Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford were positioned as England's primary attacking threat on the flanks. However, Saka has battled fitness concerns and appeared in only two of England's six group-stage matches, while Rashford has struggled to build momentum following his opening cameo against Croatia. Madueke has filled the void on the right but produced disjointed displays, leaving Tuchel searching for consistency across the front line.
Owen highlighted a fundamental tactical shortcoming, pointing to missed opportunities in player rotation: "Those three attacking players in behind Harry Kane – I thought that was our strength. And it's not really worked out like that." He noted that Jude Bellingham and Kane have carried the attacking burden, each netting six goals, while the supporting cast has managed only adequate performances when given opportunities.
Missing Depth and Selection Regrets
The England legend suggested Tuchel should have incorporated more proven attackers into the squad. "I was looking at some other players that could be there – the Phil Fodens, the Cole Palmers of this world," Owen reflected. "We put a load of our great players in those positions, then we've got plenty of rotation, plenty of fresh legs. Those could be the positions that win or lose the tournament."
With England facing Argentina in a World Cup semi-final on Wednesday, the spotlight falls on whether Rashford, Saka, Gordon and Madueke can finally justify their tournament selection and deliver in the knockout stage. A repeat of their group-phase mediocrity could prove fatal against South American heavyweights, but one decisive performance could rewrite the narrative entirely.
