England have the eighth youngest squad at the 2022 World Cup this year. So, how does that compare to the England squads that have competed at the World Cup since 1950 – the first time England played in the tournament?
We decided to dive deep into the history books to find out the average age of every England World Cup squad in history. This includes of course Sir Alf Ramsey’s 1966 World Cup winning side, as well as one of the oldest England World Cup squads back in 2010.
England World Cup Squads – Average Age
England first competed in the World Cup in 1950. Since then, the Three Lions have played in all but three World Cup tournaments. England failed to qualify in both 1974 and 1978, as well as not making it to the 1994 USA World Cup.
Here is a quick overview of the average age of each of the England World Cup squads who have competed at the tournament from 1950 onwards:
| World Cup Tournament | Average Age Of England Squad |
|---|---|
| 2022 Qatar World Cup | 26.4 |
| 2018 Russia World Cup | 26.0 |
| 2014 Brazil World Cup | 26.6 |
| 2010 South Africa World Cup | 28.4 |
| 2006 Germany World Cup | 25.5 |
| 2002 Japan/South Korea World Cup | 26.3 |
| 1998 France World Cup | 27.5 |
| 1994 USA World Cup | Did Not Qualify |
| 1990 Italy World Cup | 27.7 |
| 1986 Mexico World Cup | 26.6 |
| 1982 Spain World Cup | 27.2 |
| 1978 Argentina World Cup | Did Not Qualify |
| 1974 West Germany World Cup | Did Not Qualify |
| 1970 Mexico World Cup | 26.7 |
| 1966 England World Cup | 26.5 |
| 1962 Chile World Cup | 25.3 |
| 1958 Sweden World Cup | 25.8 |
| 1954 Switzerland World Cup | 27.9 |
| 1950 Brazil World Cup | 29.0 |
Oldest England World Cup Squad
The England squad at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar is a relatively young one. However, this hasn’t always been the case. The oldest England World Cup squad on record was in fact the team that made the trip to Brazil in their first ever World Cup in 1950.
The average age of the 1950 Brazil World Cup squad for England was 29-years-old. This is in fact the oldest squad on record that England have ever taken to a World Cup Finals.
England won just one group game at the 1050 World Cup, losing two and falling at the first hurdle. The Three Lions failed to progress from their group, and were sent packing after just three group games.
The fact this was the first ever World Cup that England ever played in could be one of the reasons they didn’t make it as far. The team lacked that big stage experience on the world stage, which is perhaps why they failed to make the knockout stages.
England took a relatively experienced side to the 2010 South Africa World Cup. The average age of that side was 28.4-years-old, with Fabio Capello opting for experience over youth. It didn’t quite work out for England that year of course, who fell at the Round of 16 stage.
In the grand scheme of things, an average squad age of 29 is still relatively young. However, compared to what it is now and has been in recent tournaments, the average age then was roughly 2-3 years older than what we are used to nowadays with Gareth Southgate’s young, talented squad.
Youngest England World Cup Squad
England’s youngest ever squad that participated at the World Cup was the 1962 Chile World Cup side. This side did end up having a few players who would then go on to win the World Cup in 1966 of course.
There were just 16 teams in the World Cup at this stage, and England did make it to the quarter-finals that year. England won one, drew one and lost one of their group stage matches, before falling to Brazil, the eventual winners of the tournament.
Walter Winterbottom was the manager at this time, and the 1962 World Cup did end up being his last as England manager. The new era under Sir Alf Ramsey was about to begin, which to this day is still the most successful England team in history.
The 1966 World Cup winning side is the sixth youngest England side at a World Cup in history. The team was full of talent, with England finally reigning supreme on the world stage, lifting the World Cup trophy aloft in their own country.
Where Does England’s 2022 World Cup Squad Rank In Average Age?
The current England squad who are competing at the 2022 Qatar World Cup are the eighth youngest Three Lions side in history.
Players like Jude Bellingham, who is just 19-years-old, Bukayo Saka (21-years-old), Phil Foden (22-years-old), Conor Gallagher (22-years-old), Declan Rice (23-years-old) and Mason Mount (23-years-old) are just some of the young talent England have at their disposal for the current World Cup.
Despite being a relatively young squad, this current England team does have experience in abundance on the big stage. Making it to the semi-final of the World Cup four years ago in Russia was a learning curve, as was the penalty shootout defeat to Italy in the European Championship Final two years ago.
England are currently third favourites with the best World Cup betting sites to go all the way and lift the trophy on December 18th. The future is certainly bright for this England team, who have so much talent in their ranks.
If it isn’t to be this year in Qatar, then the Euros in 2024 or perhaps the 2026 World Cup could well be the year that football finally comes home.
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