Eberechi Eze once again aims to remain composed and committed to England, as the newly released squad numbers hint at an unexpected Three Lions hero ahead of the World Cup.

The announcement of England’s squad numbers has sparked widespread discussion, providing clear evidence that Thomas Tuchel is almost certain to start Jordan Henderson in the crucial opener against Croatia.

The leaked details also suggest that Reece James could be set for a standout performance, drawing parallels with previous players who wore the same numbers in England’s 26-man squads at Euro 2020, World Cup 2022 and Euro 2024.

England’s goalkeeper is set to make history by becoming the first to wear the No. 1 shirt at three different World Cups. He trails only his current captain, who has 29, in total appearances for England at major tournaments with 26. He also led the charts for clean sheets at Qatar 2022, having earlier won the Golden Gloves at Euro 2021.

Though he may not start as England’s right-back, he has ended Kyle Walker’s long-standing hold on the No. 2 shirt, which dates back to 2014. The last Englishman to wear it at a major tournament before that was Glen Johnson.

Based on that pattern, Ezri Konsa could bring great pace but face defensive scrutiny. Walker’s performance in the Euro 2024 final continues to linger in memory.

For the fourth successive World Cup, a new player will don the No. 3 jersey. Leighton Baines started in 2014, Danny Rose featured in 2018, and Luke Shaw returned in 2022, making his only start in the Euro 2024 final.

O’Reilly has now firmly established himself as England’s first-choice left-back, winning a once tightly contested position.

Declan Rice continues the tradition of the No. 4 shirt, following in the footsteps of Eric Dier, James Milner, Steven Gerrard, and Trevor Sinclair – a number steeped in English football heritage.

Before John Stones took the No. 5 at the 2018 World Cup, it had belonged to Gary Cahill, Martin Kelly, Michael Dawson, Rio Ferdinand, and John Terry. That’s a formidable defensive lineage.

Although Harry Maguire and his family were disappointed, the decision to assign the No. 6 to Marc Guehi seemed inevitable; Maguire wearing any other shirt just wouldn’t have looked right.

The memory of Bukayo Saka wearing the No. 7 at left wing-back still stings, making the return of widespread Jack Grealish calls more palatable.

Meanwhile, Trent Alexander-Arnold’s stint as No. 8 at Euro 2024 has largely faded from memory. Substituted after 69 and 54 minutes in England’s first two games, he made only brief substitute appearances thereafter.

Thomas Tuchel is unlikely to experiment mid-tournament or long for the days of Kalvin Phillips.

Harry Kane continues to wear the No. 9, a number previously worn by Daniel Sturridge and Andy Carroll at major tournaments — setting a clear standard to follow.

Reflecting on Raheem Sterling’s impact at Euro 2020 is bittersweet. Jude Bellingham, though inconsistent as No. 10 at Euro 2024, still delivered flashes of brilliance that defined England’s campaign.

Phil Foden struggled under the weight of Emile Heskey’s former No. 11 shirt at Euro 2024. Marcus Rashford’s reclaiming of the jersey may suggest a starting role, though he played just 228 of 1,140 possible minutes as No. 11 across Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup.

It’s surprising that Gareth Southgate didn’t retire the No. 12 in honour of Kieran Trippier, but another player now inherits that symbolic number.

The rotation of Ramsdale, Pope, and Ramsdale again marks an intriguing pattern. Dean Henderson, now at Newcastle, may not take this lightly.

It seems unlikely that Jordan Henderson will replicate Kalvin Phillips’ breakout at Euro 2020. More probable is a limited role, similar to Konsa’s at Euro 2024.

Traditionally, the No. 15 shirt has gone to the fourth-choice centre-back. Dan Burn follows a line that includes Tyrone Mings (192 of 160 minutes at Euro 2020), Eric Dier (36 of 450 minutes at World Cup 2022), and Lewis Dunk (unused at Euro 2024).

Conor Coady didn’t play at Euro 2020 or World Cup 2022 as No. 16, but Conor Gallagher did at Euro 2024 — and it was a tough experience for him.

Jadon Sancho missed a critical penalty at Euro 2020, Ivan Toney buried his at Euro 2024, and Saka was England’s joint-top scorer at the 2022 World Cup. That leaves Rogers poised for a memorable tournament.

England’s three No. 18s during the 26-man squad era have played a combined 54 minutes. Barcelona’s new signing is expected to easily surpass the contributions of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Alexander-Arnold, and himself.

For the second tournament running, the Aston Villa striker will wear No. 19. Mason Mount was more active in 2020 and 2022, but Ollie Watkins produced one of England’s most unforgettable moments in 2024.

Foden featured for 158 minutes at Euro 2020 and 258 at the 2022 World Cup, while Jarrod Bowen managed just 35 at Euro 2024. It seems inevitable that Noni Madueke will come off the bench in every game.

Eberechi Eze avoided following Benjamin White’s example as the previous No. 21 by leaving early after disagreements with staff during Euro 2024. His discipline this time could prove vital.

Coaches Anthony Barry and Henrique Hilario will hope not to revisit questions about his Arsenal transfer during the tournament.

Neither Ben White (No. 22 at Euro 2020) nor Joe Gomez (No. 22 at Euro 2024) featured in their tournaments, while Bellingham shone in that number at the World Cup in between. Unless penalties loom, Toney might follow the earlier pattern.

The No. 23 shirt continues to be the reserve goalkeeper’s domain — as Sam Johnstone, Ramsdale, and Henderson can attest.

Interestingly, No. 24 has gone to a likely starter once before — Reece James, who began the goalless draw against Scotland at Euro 2020. It’s a rare number for a starting XI player.

Callum Wilson notched a World Cup assist wearing it, while Cole Palmer both assisted in the Euro 2024 semi-final and scored in the final. James could be preparing for another remarkable display.

The No. 25 has traditionally gone to fringe players like James Maddison and Adam Wharton. Saka once filled that role five years ago before becoming pivotal — though his missed penalty against Italy remains a painful memory.

Finally, the No. 26 continues its mixed legacy. Bellingham played 58 minutes at Euro 2020, Gallagher didn’t feature at the 2022 World Cup, and Kobbie Mainoo struggled after being thrown into the Euro 2024 final against Spain.