Tuchel withholds England lineup as selection dilemmas mount ahead of Croatia clash
Thomas Tuchel refuses to reveal his starting eleven for the Dallas friendly, citing the strength of his bench and the need to keep tactical cards close to his chest.
England head coach Thomas Tuchel is preparing to name his starting lineup for the final World Cup warm-up friendly against Croatia in Dallas on 17 June, though he has firmly declined to offer any early insights into his tactical approach. Following a victory over Costa Rica in Orlando that was delayed by violent storms, Tuchel emphasised that his thoughts remain focused on immediate performance rather than future announcements. He stated that England would "keep our cards in our hand," noting that both the starting XI and the bench possess significant strength, making it difficult to predict who will feature against the Europeans.
The most prominent selection dilemma centres on the number 10 role, with Tuchel balancing the form of Jude Bellingham against the recent consistency of Morgan Rogers. Bellingham displayed sharp creativity against Costa Rica, delivering a precise through ball for Noni Madueke and demonstrating technical skill in the build-up to England’s second goal. However, Rogers, who started against New Zealand and impressed as a substitute, remains a viable option, with Tuchel keen to maintain healthy competition between the two boyhood friends.
Defensively, the right wing position appears settled, with Bukayo Saka expected to start despite managing a lingering Achilles tendon injury. Tuchel has been managing Saka’s minutes carefully, viewing him as the first-choice option. In contrast, the left wing presents a more complex choice between Anthony Gordon and Marcus Rashford. Gordon tormented Costa Rica’s defence with his pace and contributed directly to two goals, while Rashford was highlighted as a bright spark in the earlier, less intense friendly against New Zealand.
Harry Kane continues to operate in a free-roaming role, a tactical liberty that Tuchel has granted to utilise his complete skill set. Against Costa Rica, Kane picked the ball up in England’s own penalty area to link play and delivered a stunning pass from deep to Gordon, showcasing the vision and game intelligence that make him central to Tuchel’s plans. The 32-year-old captain has now scored 79 goals in 114 appearances, adding a creative dimension to his traditional striking role.
In central defence, John Stones is expected to start if fully fit, having played 63 minutes against Costa Rica after 45 against New Zealand. His partnership with Marc Guehi, who played together against New Zealand, offers experience and stability, though Ezri Konsa’s inclusion in the previous match suggests Tuchel is still evaluating his options. The final decision on the defensive pairing will be crucial as England seeks a strong start to their World Cup campaign.
