England's starting XI for Tuchel's first World Cup match revealed
British media have revealed the starting lineup Thomas Tuchel will field as the Three Lions begin their World Cup campaign against Croatia.
World Cup
English media are reporting that Thomas Tuchel has already decided on the starting XI with which the Three Lions will begin their World Cup campaign against Croatia on Wednesday at Dallas Stadium.
According to the Daily Mail and The Sun, the German coach has decided to start Barcelona's new signing Anthony Gordon on the left wing ahead of Marcus Rashford, who also played for the Catalan club last season. Noni Madueke will operate on the opposite flank, as his Arsenal teammate Bukayo Saka is not yet in optimal physical condition. Harry Kane will lead the attack.
In midfield, the key question was whether Jude Bellingham or Morgan Rogers would start — the latest reports indicate the Real Madrid star will be in the XI from the off, with Declan Rice and Elliott Anderson operating just behind him.
At centre-back, Ezri Konsa and experienced John Stones will partner up, with the Aston Villa defender preferred over Marc Guehi due to his physical and aerial advantages. Reece James and Nico O'Reilly will start as fullbacks, with Jordan Pickford taking his usual place in goal.
Predicted England XI vs Croatia: Pickford; James, Stones, Konsa, O'Reilly; Rice, Anderson, Bellingham; Madueke, Gordon, Kane