The anticipation is building. Eighteen months after being appointed as England’s manager, Thomas Tuchel is set to guide the Three Lions into the 2026 World Cup on Wednesday, with a clear objective: to add “a second star” to the national team’s shirt. For supporters, the emotional rollercoaster that accompanies watching England in a major tournament is about to begin.
Qualification went flawlessly—no draws, no losses, no goals against—but some of England’s performances in friendlies have left a lot to be desired, and even this late in the game, uncertainty remains regarding the ideal starting XI as they gear up to face Croatia in Dallas.
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Jordan Pickford is set to start in goal, and we have a good understanding of the backline. Full-backs will be Reece James and Nico O’Reilly, with the center-back pairing likely to feature two of Marc Guehi, John Stones, and Ezri Konsa.
According to a recent report from BBC Sport, Tuchel is likely to favor Stones and Konsa, which suggests a preference for height and physicality in a tournament environment where set-pieces are crucial. Konsa has consistently featured for England since Tuchel took over, while Stones is recognized as the most seasoned tournament defender in the team.
The full-backs will have vital roles, not just in defense but also in establishing play from the back. Both James and O’Reilly have experience playing in midfield for Chelsea and Manchester City this season, and their technical ability—particularly James’s passing range—will complement the aggression of Elliot Anderson and the dynamism of Declan Rice, who are expected to be the central midfield pairing.
Potential lineup for England against Croatia in the opening group match (The Independent)
Jude Bellingham is expected to assume the No 10 role. Morgan Rogers played a significant role in qualification, and Tuchel took a firm stance on Bellingham’s selection in the squad last autumn. However, the Real Madrid midfielder emerges as a key figure for England, capable of alleviating pressure on Harry Kane, both in attacking contributions and by assuming responsibility on the field.
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Bukayo Saka is anticipated to start on the right flank, although Tuchel has suggested that fitness concerns may moderate his playing time during the World Cup. Consequently, Noni Madueke could play a vital role. He was outstanding in England’s best display under Tuchel, the 5-0 victory over Serbia in qualification, and could potentially overtake Saka as the starting winger if he performs well off the bench and Saka is not at his best.
Tuchel’s most challenging decision lies on the left wing, choosing between Anthony Gordon and Marcus Rashford. The situation is unusual, as Gordon recently signed with Barcelona just before heading to the US, effectively replacing Rashford, who had a loan period at the Nou Camp but will not make that move permanent. Rashford’s next destination appears uncertain as he seeks to move on from Manchester United, where he had a tumultuous season.
Both players have compelling credentials. Rashford enjoyed a strong season with Barcelona, netting 14 goals and providing 14 assists in 49 appearances, while Gordon’s performance at Newcastle was nearly as impressive, with 17 goals and five assists from 43 outings.
Marcus Rashford vies for a starting position against Anthony Gordon for England (Getty)
Gordon impressed in a recent friendly against Costa Rica, strengthening his case, but Rashford might just have the edge due to his superior experience in high-pressure situations. He’s also more suited as a natural striker, as England’s left winger will need to make forward runs when Kane drops deep to engage in play.
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Additionally, it may benefit Tuchel to deploy Gordon as a finisher rather than a starter, given his proficiency in penalties. Rashford has historically had a good penalty record, but he hasn’t taken many recently, and England might prefer to have Gordon available for potential penalty shootouts.
Kane will undoubtedly lead the attack. The England captain had a stellar season with Bayern Munich, netting 61 goals and providing seven assists during an extraordinary campaign.
As for potential substitutes, expect Madueke and either Gordon or Rashford to come in during the second half to provide fresh energy on the wings. Depending on the game situation, either Eberechi Eze or Kobbie Mainoo may also come on, particularly if England needs a goal. Tino Livramento is also likely to be among the reserve full-backs.
This brings us to Tuchel’s strategic choices regarding the squad. The absence of players like Trent Alexander-Arnold, Phil Foden, and Cole Palmer may have raised eyebrows, yet it results in fewer high-profile names sitting on the sidelines. This could simplify Tuchel’s decision-making process in the coming weeks.