Thomas Tuchel has confirmed a clean bill of health for England's Nations League showdown against Croatia this evening. All remaining 23 players of the squad trained in full on Friday in Rijeka, with everyone available for selection. Tuchel also confirmed that Marc Guehi is "very likely to start" at right centre-back.
Defensive boost and squad changes
The England head coach confirmed that Arsenal defender Ezri Konsa had trained in full earlier that day and has recovered from the injury that forced him to miss the 2-0 win over Czech Republic in midweek. Nico O'Reilly, however, has left the England squad and will play no further part in their two remaining Nations League games this month.
The Manchester City youngster played in last weekend's 3-2 defeat to Spain but was left out of the squad for Tuesday's win over the Czech Republic due to an injury issue. On Thursday, it was confirmed by the FA that the 21-year-old had returned to Man City for tests, with Tuchel confirming the left-back's "discomfort was too much" for him to return to the training pitch and required him to leave camp for treatment "as soon as possible".
Predicted lineup and selection plans
His withdrawal — and the decision not to call up a replacement — increases the likelihood of another start at left-back for Newcastle United's Lewis Hall, who made only his second start for his country in Prague earlier this week. In goal, James Trafford was handed the first two matches of the international break but is now set to be replaced by England's long-time No1 Jordan Pickford, in accordance with the plan communicated to both goalkeepers before the Spain game by Tuchel.
Tuchel can choose between Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jarell Quansah at right-back. He has hinted he will name a stronger team in Rijeka than next Tuesday on the basis of the perceived difficulty of facing Croatia, before resting key names for the final fixture against the Czech Republic.
Team news and match details
Declan Rice, Cole Palmer, Marcus Rashford, Kobbie Mainoo and Tino Livramento dropped out of the squad ahead of the first game against Spain. England predicted line-up vs Croatia (4-2-3-1): Pickford; Alexander-Arnold, Guehi, Branthwaite, Hall; Anderson, Scott; Saka, Bellingham, Gordon; Kane.
Out: O'Reilly, Rice, Palmer, Rashford, Mainoo, Livramento. Time and date: 5pm BST on Saturday 3, October 2026. How to watch: ITV. Venue: Stadion HNK Rijeka, Rijeka.
