Sam Allardyce’s Only England Squad

It’s crazy to think what English football would have looked like without Gareth Southgate at the helm over the better part of the last decade. Loved or loathed, the former Three Lions boss cemented his legacy as one of the country’s best national team coaches in history, taking them to two major finals and a World Cup semi-final. Of course, this was never meant to happen.

Southgate was initially given the job on a temporary basis after Sam Allardyce was removed from the role following a newspaper scandal less than three months into what he described as his dream job. During that time, he managed just a single game, a 1-0 win over Slovakia, and his squad selection for that World Cup qualifier may give an insight into just how different things under ‘Big Sam’ could have looked.

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Goalkeepers

Joe Hart, Fraser Forster, Tom Heaton

There was no Jordan Pickford in sight for Allardyce, though it must be said that Big Sam wasn’t blessed for options in the goalkeeper department at the time. Joe Hart had been England’s number one for a substantial period by 2016, and despite a less-than-stellar showing at the Euros prior to his new manager’s appointment, he maintained the gloves against Slovakia. Hart retired following a spell at Celtic and can now be seen on our TV screens, working as a pundit.

As for Fraser Forster, once labelled as one of the greatest goalkeepers in the world by the legendary Lionel Messi, he’s now a free agent aged 37 after leaving Tottenham Hotspur in the summer of 2025. Tom Heaton, 39, has been on Manchester United’s books since 2021, living the dream as third-choice ‘keeper. Forster would actually end up missing out on the squad after being withdrawn, with Southampton’s Alex McCarthy stepping in to replace him.

Defenders

Kyle Walker, Nathaniel Clyne, John Stones, Chris Smalling, Gary Cahill, Phil Jagielka, Danny Rose, Luke Shaw

Of the eight defenders called up by Allardyce, only a couple find themselves on Thomas Tuchel’s shortlist. Manchester City’s John Stones is part of Tuchel’s four-man leadership group heading into 2026, while Manchester United’s Luke Shaw could force his way into contention for a place in the 2026 World Cup squad. The best days of 35-year-old Kyle Walker are now firmly behind him, but Tuchel may consider the right-back if he shines at Burnley this season.

Elsewhere, Nathaniel Clyne has spent the past five years at Crystal Palace after leaving Liverpool on a free transfer. His 239 games for the club is more than he has played for any other team in his career. The only other player still active is Chris Smalling, who swapped Manchester United for AS Roma and then joined Saudi Arabian side Al-Fayha, where he endured one of the worst debuts imaginable.

That leaves retired centre-back pair Gary Cahill and Phil Jagielka, who were quickly replaced by the likes of Harry Maguire by the time the 2018 World Cup rolled around, along with Danny Rose. All three have dabbled in punditry work since hanging up their boots.

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Midfielders & Wingers

Dele Alli, Michail Antonio, Eric Dier, Danny Drinkwater, Jordan Henderson, Adam Lallana, Wayne Rooney, Raheem Sterling, Theo Walcott

The engine room was well and truly led by then-England skipper Wayne Rooney, who was in his final season at Manchester United and showing signs that he could operate in a deeper role on the pitch. However, while he is one of England’s greatest ever players, he has not found the same success as a manager and is currently working as a pundit.

Premier League champion with Leicester City, Danny Drinkwater made headlines when it emerged that he was now working on a building site, while Raheem Sterling (now 30) currently finds himself languishing in Chelsea’s bomb squad.

Jordan Henderson and Eric Dier are the only midfielders who have a realistic chance of making England’s 2026 squad. Tuchel is a huge fan of Henderson, who is now with Brentford, while Dier is playing for AS Monaco after leaving Bayern Munich.

Dele Alli’s topsy-turvy career could be about to reach a premature and sad end after a spell with Como 1907 failed to work out. Theo Walcott now works as a pundit for various broadcasters, including the BBC. Adam Lallana announced his retirement from football in 2025 after a season back at Southampton. And Michail Antonio has since earned 24 caps for Jamaica after making his debut in 2021. The 35-year-old almost lost his life in December 2024 following an awful car crash, but is now looking to revive his career away from West Ham.

Attackers

Harry Kane, Daniel Sturridge, Jamie Vardy

Leading the line in Allardyce’s attack was Harry Kane, who continues to shoulder that responsibility to this day. The England captain is one of, if not the best number nines in the world, and when his time comes to step aside, there is going to be an incredibly large void to be filled.

Daniel Sturridge’s issues with injuries towards the backend of his career meant this was one of his final appearances in an England squad. He is now retired and works as a pundit, primarily for Sky Sports. As for Jamie Vardy, he said an emotional farewell to Leicester in the summer of 2025, ending his 13-year stay at the King Power Stadium with 200 goals in 500 games. The 38-year-old is currently enjoying a new adventure in Italy with Serie A outfit Cremonese.