It seems almost impossible to believe, but the 2026 World Cup is merely less than three months away, so these last final games of the league and European campaigns are real auditions for the final World Cup squads. And for Thomas Tuchel's England national team this summer, there is perhaps no under the radar player building a stronger case for inclusion than young Tottenham Hotspur star Archie Gray.
Even when Tottenham were woeful a couple of weeks ago in a 3-1 loss to rivals Crystal Palace, Gray was still holding his head up high and giving fans legitimate reasons to hope and praise somebody in the first team squad.
In the 3-2 win over Atletico Madrid, Gray was even better. He was in total command against a great Rojiblancos midfield, even earning big time respect from former Real Madrid standout Marcos Llorente with a courteous handshake after the game.
Archie Gray is worth considering at the World Cup
Gray is wise beyond his years in the middle of the park, and as Tuchel contemplates building his best England first team squad, he absolutely has to be thinking about the 20 year old former Leeds United man in the mix.
Certainly, giving Gray the nod as an all around holding midfielder with leadership qualities is much better than giving a retread like Jordan Henderson the nod on seniority and the apparent virtues of being a known commodity.
Gray is better, more exciting, and someone who can use reps at the World Cup into becoming the next big thing for the Three Lions with that experience. Judging by how he is playing and leading by example for a massive club like Tottenham Hotspur with all the pressure they face in an extremely dark period for the organization, Gray is ready for the weight of the England shirt and the pressure of a World Cup.
Obviously, Gray is not yet at the quality or experience level of a national team starter, but a high upside player and great character like him is exactly what a coach like Tuchel needs in his side. Gray will do anything with a smile on his face no matter the adversity or even the unfairness of it, seeing as how he has never fussed about playing out of position - and he has even made decisive contributions beyond the midfield.
There are a lot of bloated names, overrated egos, and chronic underachievers who are on the England national team radar in midfield these days. With all the years of disappointment, Gray is the kind of breath of fresh air who can help.