Thomas Tuchel has made some huge selection calls for England's World Cup Group L opener against Croatia in Dallas. Jude Bellingham starts in the No10 role, edging out Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers.
Starting Lineup
Tuchel has named the same team that started last week's final warm-up friendly against Costa Rica in Orlando. The only change forced was due to Tino Livramento's calf injury, sustained in training on Tuesday, ruling him out of the tournament. Trevoh Chalobah will replace the Newcastle right-back but joins the squad after the Croatia clash, while Chelsea teammate Reece James was always expected to start.
Bukayo Saka remains a substitute as his fitness is carefully managed due to a lingering Achilles issue, with Arsenal teammate Noni Madueke retaining his spot on the right flank.
Left Wing and Defence Decisions
Another debate was left wing, where Barcelona loanee Marcus Rashford lost out to Anthony Gordon, who left Newcastle for Camp Nou this summer. In defence, Marc Guehi, John Stones, and Ezri Konsa competed for two centre-back spots. Stones and Konsa got the nod, with Guehi on the bench in a potentially surprising decision.
Jordan Pickford starts in goal, with Nico O'Reilly at left-back and Declan Rice partnered by Elliot Anderson in midfield. Captain Harry Kane leads the attack.
Impact of Substitutes
Those not starting can still have a major impact, with up to five substitutes allowed and Tuchel known as a big believer in 'finishers' off the bench.
England XI (4-2-3-1)
- Goalkeeper: Pickford
- Defenders: James, Stones, Konsa, O'Reilly
- Midfielders: Anderson, Rice
- Forwards: Madueke, Bellingham, Gordon
- Striker: Kane
Injured: Livramento
Time and date: 9pm BST on Wednesday June 17, 2026
Venue: Dallas Stadium (AT&T Stadium) in Arlington, Texas
How to watch: ITV
