England's World Cup debutants in profile

England recorded their best finish at the FIFA World Cup since 1966 with the help of some of the Three Lions’ most experienced players on football’s biggest stage.

But ably supporting the likes of Harry Kane, Jordan Pickford and John Stones were a host of tournament debutants, many of whom played key roles under Thomas Tuchel in North America.

After securing third place and the bronze medal with a thrilling 6-4 win over France on Saturday, we profile the players who stepped up to make an impact at the World Cup for the first time.

Dean Henderson
World Cup appearances: 1

Henderson pulled on his gloves once at the World Cup, replacing Jordan Pickford for the third place play-off against Les Bleus and helping Tuchel’s side come out on top in a topsy-turvy game.

The goalkeeper, who made five saves on the night in Miami, also became the first permanent Crystal Palace player to ever represent England in the competition.

Reece James
World Cup appearances: 5

After missing the 2022 tournament through injury, James played five games in North America, mainly at right-back but occasionally showing his versatility by moving into midfield.

The Chelsea defender came back into the team after suffering an injury during the group stage and finished the World Cup with an eye-catching pass completion rate of 89.9 per cent.

Speaking after reaching the semi-finals, James said: “This is what dreams are made of. Everyone from a little boy dreamt of playing in a World Cup.”

Dan Burn
World Cup appearances: 3

Burn became England’s fourth-oldest World Cup debutant of all time when he came off the substitutes’ bench to help the Three Lions see out their 3-2 victory over Mexico in the round of 16.

The 34 year old put in a memorable display against El Tri, making six clearances, two blocks and winning 100 per cent of his aerial challenges and duels during his 15 minutes on the pitch.

Burn, who finished the tournament with three appearances, said of the win over Mexico: “I don’t think I’ll ever forget that night. I’m very proud to play for England at a World Cup. I never, ever thought I would be saying that when I first started.”

Marc Guéhi
World Cup appearances: 8

After coming off the bench in the opening win against Croatia, Guéhi nailed down a starting spot for the rest of the tournament, making eight appearances in total.

The Manchester City defender made 27 clearances, six interceptions and two blocks across the tournament and completed an impressive 95.9 per cent of his passes.

Ezri Konsa
World Cup appearances: 8

Konsa was a mainstay of England’s defence in North America, starting every game for Tuchel’s side apart from the semi-final defeat against Argentina.

The Aston Villa defender memorably got himself on the scoresheet in the third place play-off win over France, rising highest to head home a corner from Declan Rice.

Discussing the fan support England received during their unforgettable win over Mexico, Konsa said: “It gives you that extra motivation, that extra step to get over the line. It was nice hearing them throughout the game and I’m glad we got the win for them and for us.”

Trevoh Chalobah
World Cup appearances: 1

Chalobah was a late call-up to Tuchel’s squad, replacing the injured Tino Livramento shortly before the Three Lions’ opening group stage win over Croatia.

The Chelsea defender made his World Cup debut as a late substitute in the bronze medal triumph against France, coming on in added time to help England seal third place.

Nico O’Reilly
World Cup appearances: 7

After a breakthrough season for Manchester City, O’Reilly played a key role for England in North America, making seven appearances across the tournament.

The attack-minded defender came close to scoring at the World Cup, too, having managed seven attempts at goal and hit both the bar and the post.

Djed Spence
World Cup appearances: 8

Although he found himself in and out of the starting XI across the World Cup, Spence still featured in every game as England secured their best finish in 60 years.

The Tottenham full-back put in one of the tackles of the tournament to stop Giuliano Simeone during the semi-final against Argentina and also won a penalty with a driving run forward against France.

Speaking after picking up a bronze medal, Spence said: “We’ve learned a lot, done well, we’ve just got to take it into the next tournament that we’re in and the next games that we’re in as a team. We’ve just got to learn from it and hopefully bring something home.”

Jarell Quansah
World Cup appearances: 3

Another defender to have made his World Cup bow this summer, Quansah appeared three times at right-back against Panama, Mexico and France.

The Bayer Leverkusen man won an impressive 70 per cent of his duels and 87.5 per cent of his aerial duels across the tournament.

Elliot Anderson
World Cup appearances: 8

Having established himself in Tuchel’s starting XI during qualifying, Anderson played in every game this summer, starting seven matches and coming off the bench in the third place play-off.

The all-action midfielder, who formed a strong partnership with Declan Rice, won 85.7 per cent of his tackles and completed 87.9 per cent of his passes in North America.

Reflecting on his journey with the national team during the tournament, Anderson said: “To think, at the last World Cup, that I’d be playing at the next one, I’d be really surprised, but it’s amazing to be here with the team and playing for your country - it’s a special feeling.”

Morgan Rogers
World Cup appearances: 7

Rogers made three starts and seven appearances in total at the World Cup, with his most memorable moment coming in the semi-final against Argentina.

The midfielder’s perfectly-delivered cross from the right was converted by Anthony Gordon, giving England the lead and the 23 year old his first assist on football’s biggest stage.

Opening up on singing Oasis hit Wonderwall with the fans following wins at the World Cup, Rogers said: “You’re in awe of how many fans there are and how much it means to them, how passionate they are. To share that moment is very special and we all don’t take that for granted. We appreciate it so much, it means everything to us.”

Eberechi Eze
World Cup appearances: 5

One of two Arsenal players to make their World Cup debut this summer, Eze started the victory over France and came off the bench on four other occasions in the United States.

The midfielder’s standout moment arrived against Les Bleus on Saturday night when he picked out Bukayo Saka with a pinpoint through ball to assist the second of his three goals.

Speaking about his first World Cup call-up during the tournament, Eze said: “To be in the position, to be able to play, to help the team, to do what I can. It’s where I want to be, it’s what I want to be doing so massively grateful and hopefully there’s more.”

Anthony Gordon
World Cup appearances: 6

Three assists, a goal in the semi-final and six appearances represented a positive first World Cup experience for Gordon, who was featuring in his second major tournament for the Three Lions.

The Barcelona winger made a crucial impact off the bench in the round of 32 victory over DR Congo, coming on to provide Harry Kane with two assists as England battled back from 1-0 down to win 2-1.

Gordon also won the match-winning penalty in the memorable 3-2 triumph over Mexico in the round of 16, and found the back of the net against Argentina after a perfectly-timed run into the box and neat finish.

Noni Madueke
World Cup appearances: 5

Madueke started the opening win over Croatia and played an important role across the tournament, featuring in four more games, mainly on the right wing.

The Arsenal forward admitted that the World Cup experience had brought him closer to his team-mates, saying: “If you spend six weeks with people… you wouldn’t normally do that throughout the season.

“Obviously we [Madueke, Eberechi Eze and Bukayo Saka] spend every day with each other but for the rest of your team-mates who you don’t see that often, I feel naturally you get closer and you’ve all got a common goal as well, so that helps.”

Ollie Watkins
World Cup appearances: 2

Watkins featured twice at this summer’s tournament, coming off the bench late on in the group stage win over Panama and playing the second half of the final game against France.

The Aston Villa striker, who managed two key passes and won 100 per cent of his tackles, said of his involvement: “When you get called to play for England, it’s always an honour, but playing in a World Cup is every kid's dream.”

Ivan Toney
World Cup appearances: 2

Having come off the bench for his World Cup debut in the semi-final against Argentina, Toney was rewarded with a start in Saturday’s bronze medal win over France.

The Al-Ahli forward had a shot on target and completed almost 80 per cent of his passes in Miami as he helped England finish their campaign with a statement victory.