England open their World Cup Group L campaign against Croatia on Wednesday night, and Thomas Tuchel heads into the biggest match of his tenure with four key positions still unresolved: one centre-back slot, both wings and the all-important No 10 role. With kick-off fast approaching, here is a complete breakdown of England’s likely starting XI, the selection debates dominating the camp, and how to follow the action.
Anyone expecting wholesale changes from the side that closed out the warm-up campaign with a polished win over Costa Rica is likely to be disappointed. Tuchel was effusive about the intensity and standards on show in that final friendly, and senior figures around the squad have described it as one of the most convincing pre-tournament displays an England team has produced in years. Both points carry weight.
That said, Tuchel has been notoriously hard to read throughout his time in charge – for fans, journalists and even his own players. And it is obvious that he still has a handful of decisions to finalise across midfield, both flanks and the centre of defence.
The No 10 battle: Jude Bellingham or Morgan Rogers?
The most hotly debated call is who wears England’s No 10 shirt. Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers have been going toe-to-toe for the role, and recent signs point towards the Real Madrid star nudging in front.
Across both warm-up fixtures – against New Zealand and Costa Rica – and reportedly in training too, Bellingham has edged ahead of his close friend. That suggests he is in line to start against Croatia.
Still, it would be unwise to rule out a late switch. Rogers was central to England’s entire qualifying run and was the only attacker to appear in all eight qualifiers, so Tuchel reverting to his qualifying mainstay would surprise nobody.
Right wing: Bukayo Saka or Noni Madueke?
Against Costa Rica, Noni Madueke was handed the right-wing role while Bukayo Saka’s minutes were carefully managed. Saka has since insisted he feels fit and ready, although he has also stressed he won’t push back against the head coach’s view that he isn’t yet primed for a full 90 minutes.
Ultimately the decision rests with Tuchel, and whether Saka or Madueke starts on Wednesday will hinge entirely on Saka’s fitness.
Left wing: Anthony Gordon or Marcus Rashford?
On the opposite flank, Anthony Gordon appears to have made significant ground in his duel with Marcus Rashford. Yet the buzz inside the camp is all about Rashford, who is said to be in outstanding physical condition, training superbly and carrying the most positive mindset he has shown in years.
Given that Rashford has been a trusted figure for Tuchel since the moment he took the job 18 months ago, writing him off would be a mistake.
Centre-back: Stones, Konsa or Guehi?
Arguably the trickiest puzzle sits at centre-back. For a long time the assumption was that Marc Guehi was a guaranteed starter, with either John Stones or Ezri Konsa beside him. That picture has clouded since Tuchel paired Konsa and Stones together against Costa Rica.
Which two of the three are chosen may come down to a late gut feeling from the manager. Increasingly, though, the expectation is that Stones will start, partnered by either his Manchester City colleague or the Aston Villa defender.
Tuchel has also been handed a late setback with a full-back injury to Tino Livramento, who will be replaced by Trevoh Chalobah – himself an additional option in central defence. As ever, Tuchel tends to confirm his team extremely late, preferring to sleep on his thinking and reassess with a clear head on matchday itself.
England’s probable starting XI vs Croatia
With reasonable confidence, around seven positions look locked in:
- Jordan Pickford starts his third World Cup in goal.
- Reece James is the clear first-choice right-back.
- Nico O’Reilly is expected to make his World Cup debut at left-back.
- Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson form the midfield engine room.
- Jude Bellingham is likely to operate just ahead of them.
- Harry Kane leads the line at the tip of the attack.
The remaining four spots – the second centre-back, both wings and the precise shape of the No 10 – may stay undecided in Tuchel’s mind right up until kick-off.
England vs Croatia: how to watch
England vs Croatia kicks off on Wednesday evening in World Cup Group L. UK coverage is available from 7pm. Check your local listings and official broadcaster for streaming details in your region.
Frequently asked questions
Who will start at No 10 for England against Croatia?
Recent training and warm-up form suggest Jude Bellingham has edged ahead of Morgan Rogers, though Tuchel could still turn to Rogers, who featured in all eight qualifiers.
Will Bukayo Saka start the World Cup opener?
It depends on his fitness. Saka says he feels ready, but Tuchel has suggested he may not be set for a full 90 minutes, which could open the door for Noni Madueke.
What time does England vs Croatia kick off?
UK coverage begins at 7pm on Wednesday. Confirm the exact kick-off time with your local broadcaster.
Who replaces the injured Tino Livramento?
Trevoh Chalobah comes in to cover for Livramento and also offers Tuchel extra depth at centre-back.
