England's football team as rugby players

Wednesday, 15 July 2026 at 18:00

byCharlie Elliott

With England facing Argentina in tonight's World Cup semi-final, crossover fever is inevitable. While Steve Borthwick's side also meet Los Pumas in the Nations Championship this weekend, football takes centre stage.

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So, if Thomas Tuchel's stars swapped studs for boots of a different kind, which rugby positions would suit them best? We make the case for every selection ahead of kick-off tonight in Georgia.

15 Ollie Watkins – Fullback

There are few better fits for fullback than Ollie Watkins. His greatest weapon is timing; whether he's darting beyond a defensive line or chasing a seemingly lost cause, he arrives at exactly the right moment.

Rugby's last line of defence demands that same instinct, alongside composure under pressure. Watkins has the pace to counter from deep, the stamina to cover huge distances and the calm decision-making needed when one mistake can prove costly.

14 Bukayo Saka – Right Wing

Give Bukayo Saka a sliver of space and defenders are suddenly scrambling. That's exactly what you'd want from a rugby winger. His explosive acceleration and superb balance make him incredibly difficult to stop one-on-one, while his low centre of gravity helps him ride challenges that would floor others.

13 Morgan Rogers – Outside Centre

Morgan Rogers looks tailor-made for outside centre. He's powerful enough to carry through contact but possesses the footwork to beat defenders without relying purely on strength.

Standing well over six feet tall, he'd offer a physical presence in midfield while still having the pace to exploit space once he breaks the line. Defensively, Rogers enjoys the battle too, making him an ideal player to patrol one of rugby's most demanding positions.

12 Jude Bellingham – Inside Centre

If one footballer screams inside centre, it's Jude Bellingham. Everything about his game revolves around imposing himself physically while bringing those around him into play. He relishes contact, never shirks responsibility and seems to raise his level when matches become frantic.

Inside centres often act as a second playmaker with the toughness to punch holes in defensive lines. Bellingham's blend of strength, intelligence and leadership makes the switch feel remarkably believable.

11 Marcus Rashford – Left Wing

Imagine seeing Marcus Rashford with open grass ahead of him and only one defender left to beat. That's every rugby winger's dream scenario. His long stride eats up ground effortlessly, while his direct running constantly asks awkward questions of defenders.

Rashford is at his most dangerous when attacking at pace, and rugby would allow him to do exactly that. Give him quick ball out wide and he'd back himself against almost anyone.

10 Harry Kane – Fly-half

Every great rugby side needs a fly-half who sees the game a fraction quicker than everyone else, and Harry Kane has built his football career on exactly that quality.

While he can finish chances himself, he's equally happy dropping deeper to dictate play with precise distribution and clever decision-making. Kane rarely looks rushed, even under intense pressure, and his leadership would naturally make him the tactical heartbeat of the side.

9 Anthony Gordon – Scrum-half

Anthony Gordon would bring relentless energy to scrum-half. Always on the move, always demanding possession, he's the type of player who thrives when the game becomes chaotic.

Scrum-halves need sharp reactions, quick thinking and the confidence to keep probing for openings, all qualities Gordon has shown throughout his career. His speed around the fringes would keep defenders guessing, while his competitive edge means he'd never stop snapping at opponents from first whistle to last.

8 John Stones – Number Eight

John Stones has quietly become one of football's most composed all-rounders, making number eight an intriguing fit. Strong enough to cope with the physical battles but technically gifted enough to link play, he'd provide balance between the forwards and backs.

His calmness under pressure stands out, as does his willingness to carry responsibility in possession. Every rugby pack benefits from a player who combines power with intelligence, and Stones fits that mould perfectly.

7 Declan Rice – Openside Flanker

Watch Declan Rice for ninety minutes and you'll notice how often he's first to danger. That anticipation would make him a superb openside flanker, where reading the game is just as valuable as brute strength.

Rice covers enormous ground, loves competing for possession and seems energised by defensive work that others might avoid. Add his leadership qualities and relentless work rate, and he'd quickly become the player teammates rely on to win crucial turnovers.

6 Elliot Anderson – Blindside Flanker

Not every rugby team needs a superstar at blindside flanker; they need someone willing to do the unseen work. Elliot Anderson fits that description perfectly. He covers huge distances, competes fiercely in midfield battles and never seems afraid of the physical side of football.

Blindside flankers thrive through effort, aggression and discipline rather than flashy moments. Anderson's selfless approach would make him invaluable in the collisions and breakdowns that often decide matches.

5 Ivan Toney – Lock

Ivan Toney may be a striker by trade, but his physical presence makes him an obvious candidate for the second row. Strong in the air, comfortable using his frame and never intimidated by a physical contest, he'd relish the uncompromising nature of playing lock.

There's also a competitive edge to Toney that suits rugby perfectly. Whether battling at line-outs or driving through contact, he'd be the forward opponents would quickly grow tired of facing.

4 Dan Burn – Lock

Sometimes the simplest answer is the right one. At 6ft 7in, Dan Burn already possesses the frame rugby coaches dream about for a lock. Height alone isn't enough, though, and Burn combines it with surprising mobility and an appetite for defensive work.

He enjoys the gritty side of football, putting his body on the line whenever required. In rugby, he'd be a line-out target, a maul leader and an imposing presence around the field.

3 Jarell Quansah – Tighthead Prop

Jarell Quansah has the strength and athleticism to thrive at tighthead prop despite still being early in his career. Powerful through the shoulders and comfortable in physical duels, he'd have the raw attributes needed to anchor the scrum.

Unlike some bigger players, Quansah also moves well across the ground, giving him value beyond the set piece. His calmness under pressure suggests he'd embrace one of rugby's toughest and most demanding roles.

2 Jordan Pickford – Hooker

Every rugby team seems to have a hooker with plenty to say, and Jordan Pickford would fit that stereotype brilliantly. Vocal, fiery and constantly organising those around him, he'd bring energy to the pack from the opening whistle.

Beyond the personality, his sharp reactions and competitive streak would serve him well around the breakdown. Hookers often become emotional leaders, and Pickford's willingness to wear his heart on his sleeve makes the role feel natural.

1 Marc Guehi – Loosehead Prop

Loosehead prop demands resilience more than glamour, and Marc Guehi has built his reputation on exactly that. Strong, dependable and rarely flustered, he's the type of defender teammates trust when the pressure mounts.

While not the biggest player on this list, Guehi's balance, strength and willingness to embrace physical battles suggest he'd adapt well to life in the front row. Every successful scrum starts with solid foundations, and he'd provide exactly that.