Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford have been named on the bench for England’s World Cup opener against Croatia tonight. The Three Lions open their Group L campaign against the side that defeated them in the semi-final stage of the tournament eight years ago.
Saka's Injury Concerns
Saka is England’s first-choice right winger, but club teammate Noni Madueke starts ahead of him this evening. The Arsenal star has been nursing an Achilles injury that caused him to miss five games for his club in April, though he returned in time to play a key role in their Premier League title triumph.
Last week, Thomas Tuchel admitted Saka was still some way off from reaching 100 percent fitness, unable to train on consecutive days as England’s medical staff carefully monitored his condition. Saka insisted this week that he feels fully fit, saying, “I’m feeling better than I’ve felt in the last few months and I’m ready to go.” However, Tuchel has opted to leave him on the bench tonight.
Rashford's Benching
Rashford has also been left out of the starting XI, with Anthony Gordon starting ahead of him. After a fine season on loan at Barcelona, Rashford forced his way back into Tuchel’s plans and started England’s first warm-up match against New Zealand. Gordon impressed in the game against Costa Rica, with Tuchel valuing his intensity and positional discipline on the left.
The newly-signed Barcelona star—a development that has placed Rashford’s own club future in limbo—has done enough to get the nod. Rashford will hope there is a role for him to play off the bench tonight.
Other Squad Updates
Tino Livramento is no longer with the squad after suffering an injury that ended his World Cup hopes this week. The Newcastle United star will have no part to play, with Chelsea’s Trevoh Chalobah called up to replace him on Tuesday.
England face Croatia in their Group L opener, looking to avenge the semi-final defeat from 2018. The match kicks off tonight with high expectations for the Three Lions.
