Jump To:WinnersLosersCopy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterWe no doubt all feel a little bit like losers after England crashed out of the World Cup against Argentina, but it could certainly be worse than getting to a semi-final.None are likely to go home completely happy, but there have been plenty of positive stories from Thomas Tuchels camp.Heres how we see the splitWinnersHarry KaneEnglands captain showed exactly why he has the armband, proving himself (were any demonstration needed) that hes one of the Three Lions only true world-class talents.A demon from the spot, able to take the country on his back as against DR Congo and comfortable creating and finishing. You may like Thomas Tuchel's divisive England World Cup 2026 squad is match-fit but short on fresh legs Thomas Tuchels team never had us dreaming, and at no point during this World Cup did it ever feel like it was Coming Home England vs Croatia player ratings: Jude Bellingham stars, as Ezri Konsa struggles More could have been asked of him in that semi-final against Argentina, but hes not alone there.Jude BellinghamTuchels other world beater if it wasnt a clutch moment from Kane, then it was probably Jude Bellingham.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.Englands top scorer at the tournament albeit via a top-up in the third-place play-off once again showed his big-game-player qualities.Still just 23 years old (!), there are plenty more opportunities to come for the Real Madrid man.Djed SpenceThe jurys out on whether a player turning 26 this summer can be labelled a breakout star, but if deemed possible, then Djed Spence is the blueprint. What to read next No Phil Foden, no Cole Palmer - has Thomas Tuchel got big England World Cup squad calls right? HENRY WINTER: Jude Bellingham is England's next captain and he proved it in 20 minutes - because of course he did England vs Croatia proves all the fun of the fair on thrillseekers' doorstep - but only for the neutral Perhaps not able to show his full repertoire of skills in a stuttering Spurs outfit, they certainly all came to the fore in this tournament, almost single-handedly saving England on multiple occasions against Argentina, before they were ultimately undone.Neil Warnock famously once said hed end up in the Premier League or non-league that debate may just now be ready for bed.Elliot AndersonA �116million move to Manchester City did nothing to take the eyeballs off Elliot Anderson, which could have even made an already heavy England shirt weigh even more.Not that youd have noticed from the former Forest mans performances, consistently one of the best players on the pitch throughout.It suggests he may have what it takes to take that next step at the Etihad, and he certainly has plenty of time on his hands to develop.Dean HendersonPerhaps a rogue inclusion in this list, especially given he let in four goals in 90 minutes of football, but his outing against France, a sixth career cap, was his first appearance at a major tournament.And it may well be his last, now aged 29 with the younger James Trafford growing in stature.It will be a big bucket list item ticked off for the Crystal Palace gloveman, after years of stoic deputisation.LosersThomas TuchelThe simple maths says Tuchel went into this tournament with more backers than he leaves it with.Getting to a semi-final, and being half an hour away from a World Cup final, means hes probably done enough for a second chance at Euro 2028, but his handling of that game against Argentina will mean proving himself all over again.However, Gareth Southgate survived lower moods and kept improving, so dont write off the old Schnauzer just yet.Jordan HendersonPlayed six minutes against Panama and flies home with a celebration-induced broken arm.He might be great for the dressing room, but an explanation as to why he needed a squad number to fly over with the group has not yet been forthcoming.Kobbie MainooThere are moments when England probably could have used Kobbie Mainoos calm composure to link defence with attack.Having been called up, he certainly does not deserve to be heading back to England without a World Cup minute to his name.That being said, theres still plenty of time for the Manchester United man to make his mark on coming editions of the competition.Anthony GordonMuch like Cole Palmer at Euro 2024, Anthony Gordon was robbed of a history-defining moment.His goal against Argentina would have been seared into the memory of Three Lions fans had it been the nations ticket to the showpiece in New Jersey, but it wasnt to be.Nevertheless, that goal and three assists may see some of the eyebrows raised at his Barcelona move begin to drop slightly.Ivan ToneyA shootout specialist thwarted by the lack of shootouts.At 30 years old, now in the Saudi Pro League, this was highly likely to be Ivan Toneys last World Cup appearance, and he was unable to impact it.Even as the starting striker in the 10-goal thriller with France to wrap up the tournament, he never really imposed himself on the game.TOPICSWorld Cup 2026Joe DonnohueSocial Links NavigationSenior Digital WriterJoe joined FourFourTwo as senior digital writer in July 2025 after five years covering Leeds United in the Championship and Premier League. Joe's 'Mastermind' specialist subject is 2000s-era Newcastle United having had a season ticket at St. James' Park for 10 years before relocating to Leeds and later London. Joe takes a keen interest in youth football, covering PL2, U21 Euros, as well as U20 and U17 World Cups in the past, in addition to hosting the industry-leading football recruitment-focused SCOUTED podcast. He is also one of the lucky few to have 'hit top bins' as a contestant on Soccer AM. It wasn't a shin-roller.
