England have taken an early but significant step towards the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 after naming a provisional 15-player squad, underlining the direction they intend to take into the global tournament.
White-ball captain Harry Brook has been entrusted with leading the side, continuing England’s transition into a new era following recent changes in leadership. The announcement also coincides with England revealing their ODI and T20I squads for next month’s tour of Sri Lanka, which will act as a key preparation phase ahead of the World Cup.
England provisional squad for T20 World Cup 2026
Harry Brook (captain), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Josh Tongue, Luke Wood
Several familiar names remain central to England’s plans. Jos Buttler, Jofra Archer, Sam Curran, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Adil Rashid and Phil Salt have all retained their places after featuring in the 2024 edition, where England’s campaign ended at the semi-final stage against India.
Perhaps the most closely watched inclusion is Jofra Archer, who continues to battle fitness concerns after sustaining a left side strain during the Ashes. Despite the injury history, England have shown faith in the express pacer, aware of the match-winning threat he brings in major tournaments.
There is also a fresh look to parts of the squad. Josh Tongue has earned his maiden T20I call-up, while Jacob Bethell and Tom Banton offer flexibility in England’s batting options as selectors assess combinations ahead of final selections.
Sri Lanka tour to shape final decisions
England’s upcoming white-ball tour of Sri Lanka is expected to play a crucial role in refining the World Cup squad. The selectors have named slightly expanded groups for the ODI and T20I series, giving players an opportunity to press their case in subcontinental conditions.
Brydon Carse has been included in the touring party as England closely monitor their pace resources, while Will Jacks returns to both formats after missing the New Zealand white-ball tour in October. In ODIs, Zak Crawley makes his comeback for the first time since December 2023, and Joe Root adds experience and stability to the middle order.
T20I squad vs Sri Lanka
Harry Brook (captain), Rehan Ahmed, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler, Brydon Carse* (Sri Lanka tour only), Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Josh Tongue, Luke Wood
ODI squad vs Sri Lanka
Harry Brook (captain), Rehan Ahmed, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Luke Wood
Fixtures vs Sri Lanka
ODIs:
- 22 January 2026 – R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
- 24 January 2026 – R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
- 27 January 2026 – R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
T20Is:
- 30 January 2026 – Pallekele International Stadium, Kandy
- 1 February 2026 – Pallekele International Stadium, Kandy
- 3 February 2026 – Pallekele International Stadium, Kandy
With several months still remaining before the final squad deadline, England’s provisional list leaves room for change. Performances in Sri Lanka, fitness updates, and form in domestic competitions are all expected to influence the final call as England fine-tune their bid for another T20 World Cup title.
