Tuchel Faces Saka, Bellingham Calls for Croatia — Sky Sports Football
sky sports football has England's starting XI debate centered on Thomas Tuchel's biggest calls before the 2026 World Cup opener against Croatia. England meet Croatia at AT&T Stadium in Dallas on Wednesday June 17 at 9pm, with midfield, both wings and the centre of defence all in play.
Tuchel's three selection races
Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers are battling for the No 10 shirt, while Noni Madueke's start on the right against Costa Rica gave Tuchel one clear reference point. The left side is just as tight, with Anthony Gordon having made huge strides in his fight with Marcus Rashford.
Bukayo Saka adds another layer. He said, "I am fit and ready to play," after England's final friendly against Costa Rica, but he also said, "I wouldn't go against what the head coach has said, that he is not ready to play a full 90 minutes."
Stones and Guehi in Dallas
The back line is less settled than some expected. Marc Guehi had been viewed by some as a nailed-on starter at centre back, yet Tuchel paired Ezri Konsa with John Stones against Costa Rica.
That leaves Stones as the most delicate call in the shape of England's defence. One selection view was that Konsa should stay alongside Guehi because Stones needs more time to get up to speed, and the opening against Croatia gives Tuchel only one chance to judge which partnership fits the demands of Group L.
Costa Rica gave Tuchel clues
England's 3-0 win against Costa Rica was the last live test before Dallas, and it fed several of the arguments now shaping the starting XI. Gordon's display strengthened his case on the left, Madueke held his spot on the right, and the Stones-Konsa pairing gave Tuchel a fresh look at the centre of defence.
The practical result for England is simple: Tuchel still has to settle midfield, both wings and one centre-back decision before Croatia, with the conditions at AT&T Stadium part of the calculation. For readers tracking the opener, the final shape is likely to tell as much about England's plan for the 2026 World Cup as the friendly did.
