The big question for England heading into their World Cup opener against Croatia isn’t about who’s fit or who’s hurt. It’s about who gets the keys to the No.10 role — and Thomas Tuchel might be walking into a fan revolt either way.
Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers are locked in a battle for that spot, and the stakes are higher than most people realize. Bellingham, the Real Madrid superstar, brings Champions League pedigree and clutch performances. Rogers, meanwhile, has been Tuchel’s pet project through qualifying, starting in that role for most of the campaign. One of them starts on Wednesday. The other stews on the bench.
According to reports, the lineup Tuchel rolled out in last week’s 3-0 friendly win over Costa Rica suggests Bellingham has the edge. The England boss started the Madrid man in that match, and he’s known to prefer continuity heading into tournament openers. But fans online have been vocal, with many arguing that Rogers earned the spot through his performances in the qualifying grind. Tuchel himself said last week that he has “14 or 15 starters,” making it clear that a handful of jobs are still up for grabs.
Livramento’s Injury Shuffles the Deck
Tino Livramento is officially out of the tournament after picking up a thigh injury in training. The Newcastle fullback was expected to provide depth at right back, but his absence means Trevoh Chalobah will join the squad after the Croatia match. The team has not confirmed whether Chalobah will travel to Dallas for the game, but Reece James was always the front-runner to start in that spot anyway.
Tuchel has to decide on his center-back pairing as well. Marc Guehi, John Stones, and Ezri Konsa are all competing for two starting spots. Guehi seems the safest bet, but it was Stones and Konsa who paired up in the Costa Rica friendly — a subtle signal of Tuchel’s thinking ahead of the Croatia clash.
The Left Wing Is Still Fluid
Another position generating heat is left wing. Marcus Rashford, currently on loan at Barcelona from Manchester United, is facing a serious challenge from Anthony Gordon, who left Newcastle this summer to join the Camp Nou as well. Both are explosive, both can cut inside, and both have a point to prove. The fact that Barcelona has not yet triggered Rashford’s permanent transfer adds a deeper subplot to the competition.
Whoever starts on the left will need to be sharp. Croatia is a familiar foe for England, and they won’t make it easy. But Tuchel has made clear he believes in what he calls “finishers” — substitutes who can change the game late. With up to five subs allowed, the bench might be just as important as the starting XI.
Predicted Lineup and Injury Report
Based on trends and team sources, here’s how England is likely to line up against Croatia: Pickford; James, Stones, Guehi, O’Reilly; Anderson, Rice; Saka, Bellingham, Gordon; Kane.
Livramento is the only confirmed injury absence as of now.
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