Tuchel poised to retain Costa Rica lineup for World Cup opener against Croatia
Sources within the England camp indicate Thomas Tuchel is likely to select the side that secured a 3-0 victory over Costa Rica in Orlando, barring minor adjustments for fitness and tactical balance.
England manager Thomas Tuchel has indicated he is considering 14 or 15 players for the starting lineup ahead of the 2026 World Cup opener against Croatia. Speaking during his first media briefing in the United States, the head coach maintained a degree of ambiguity regarding team selection, a standard approach for managers seeking to keep opponents guessing. However, intelligence from within the England camp suggests the team that started the 3-0 win over Costa Rica in Orlando is the likely foundation for the tournament opener, with only one or two potential exceptions.
The most significant implication of this continuity is that Jude Bellingham is expected to secure the No 10 starting role, displacing Morgan Rogers who is tipped to begin on the bench. The debate between Bellingham and Rogers has been a focal point of pre-tournament discussion, with Bellingham’s history of delivering in high-pressure environments at Real Madrid cited as a key factor in his anticipated selection. While Rogers has emerged as a viable alternative, the prevailing view within the squad points toward Bellingham taking the central attacking position.
In defence, the selection of John Stones and Ezri Konsa as the central defensive pairing appears probable. This decision would represent a notable shift from the perception that Marc Guehi was the first-choice centre-back, particularly following his move to Manchester City where he was preferred over Stones by Pep Guardiola in the final months of the season. Guehi had become central to England’s plans during Euro 2024, leading to expectations of his ascendancy under Tuchel.
Reports suggest Tuchel is prioritising physicality and stature in his defensive structure, favouring the larger frame of Stones and Konsa over Guehi. However, this selection presents a tactical consideration regarding balance, as both Stones and Konsa are right-footed, whereas Guehi typically operates as a left-sided centre-back. Tuchel may need to weigh the benefits of physical dominance against the structural balance required for the contest against Croatia.
On the flanks, Noni Madueke is expected to start on the right wing if Bukayo Saka is not fully fit. Saka is managing a lower leg muscular issue that limited his involvement in Arsenal’s season run-in. While there is hope that his fitness is improving day-by-day in the US, he is currently not under Arsenal’s medical auspices, though the England medical team is monitoring his condition closely. Madueke started ahead of Saka in the warm-up game against Costa Rica, and Tuchel has expressed trust in the winger’s ability to step in if the manager decides to ease Saka into the tournament.
