Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka, Anthony Gordon and Noni Madueke were all expected to play key roles for England at the 2026 World Cup, but Michael Owen has confessed to GOAL that the group of wingers has “not really worked” as planned. Thomas Tuchel is yet to identify a consistent pairing on the flanks, with none of the four wide men managing to firmly stake their claim when handed opportunities.

Madueke, Gordon, Rashford and Saka still searching for form

Heading into the tournament hosted across North America, it was widely assumed that Arsenal’s star Bukayo Saka – fresh from celebrating his club’s Premier League title success in north London – and Barcelona loanee Marcus Rashford would be Tuchel’s preferred choices on the wings.

However, Saka has been hampered by untimely fitness concerns, while Rashford – who remains under contract at Manchester United and has faced ongoing transfer speculation – has struggled to build on his opening match goal against Croatia. That strike came off the bench during England’s hard-fought opening victory, but momentum has since stalled.

In Saka’s absence, Noni Madueke has stepped into the right-wing role but has faced criticism following a string of inconsistent and underwhelming performances. Meanwhile, new Barcelona recruit Anthony Gordon has also struggled to maintain form and rhythm on the opposite flank.

Who should start on England’s wings?

Saka has featured in two of England’s six matches, appearing as a substitute in the remaining four. Having regained sufficient match sharpness, he is expected to be ready to start and complete a full 90 minutes. When asked whether Saka should return to replace Madueke, former England striker Michael Owen told GOAL via Covers.com: “I think you’re right, considering that. Going into this World Cup, I thought those three attacking players behind [Harry] Kane would be our strength. But it’s not really worked out that way.”

Owen continued, “Kane and [Jude] Bellingham have been our main strengths, I suppose. Whether it’s Rashford, Gordon, Madueke or Saka, they’ve been the ones rotating in those positions. They’ve done OK, but not much beyond that.”

“These are players who should be making a difference – scoring goals, creating assists – especially when they have the chance to come in fresh. But that hasn’t happened yet,” he added. “Still, there are two matches remaining, and they’re the biggest ones. No one will remember the group stage struggles if one of them scores a couple in the World Cup final.”

Tuchel’s decision to leave out key creative players

When asked about the limited minutes given to Rashford and Gordon’s lack of productivity, Owen expressed his surprise, especially considering that several creative talents were left out of Tuchel’s World Cup squad. “Absolutely,” he said. “I thought throughout the tournament we’d see more rotation in those attacking areas.”

“Before the squad was even selected, I looked at players like Phil Foden and Cole Palmer and thought they should be included. We have so many talented players in those positions – we could have rotated more and kept things fresh throughout the competition.”

“Those wide areas can decide tournaments,” Owen continued. “But it hasn’t been like that. Tuchel has mostly stuck with a fairly settled side.”

England prepare for semi-final clash with Messi and Argentina

Tuchel may consider changes for the semi-final showdown against Lionel Messi and reigning champions Argentina on Wednesday. The match in Atlanta promises to be a thrilling encounter, and England will need inspiration to overcome the South American giants.

Captain Harry Kane and midfield star Jude Bellingham have been in outstanding form, each scoring six goals so far. However, England’s hopes of lifting the trophy may now depend on whether Rashford, Saka, Gordon and Madueke can finally produce the decisive moments that define champions.