England manager Thomas Tuchel is reportedly set to unleash a surprising starting lineup for the Three Lions’ World Cup 2026 opener against Croatia, with several prominent names expected to miss out on the first XI. The highly anticipated match is scheduled for Wednesday, June 17, in Arlington.

Among the most notable omissions are Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford and Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka, both of whom are understood to be benched. In central defence, Marc Guéhi is also expected to lose his place, paving the way for a new partnership.

Surprise selections in defence and attack

Sources indicate that Ezri Konsa is poised to partner John Stones at the heart of England’s defence. This decision, reported by BBC Sport, comes despite both Stones and Konsa being right-footed, a potential tactical shift given Guéhi typically plays as the left-sided centre-back. Tuchel is believed to favour a more physical presence in his central defensive pairing, with both Stones and Konsa offering greater stature than Guéhi.

On the wings, Tuchel has reportedly opted for fresh faces. Anthony Gordon is set to start on the left, getting the nod ahead of Rashford, according to the Daily Mail. On the right, Noni Madueke is likely to feature, with Bukayo Saka relegated to the bench. Saka’s fitness has been a concern leading into the tournament, with a lower leg muscular issue preventing him from participating fully in Arsenal’s season run-in, as BBC Sport reported.

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In midfield, captain Harry Kane is confirmed to lead the line for England. He will be supported by Elliot Anderson and Declan Rice, while Jude Bellingham is expected to start in the crucial No. 10 role, reportedly preferred over Morgan Rogers. Jordan Pickford is set to start in goal, flanked by Nico O’Reilly and Reece James at full-back.

Tuchel’s vision and the croatian challenge

Tuchel’s selections underscore a commitment to a specific vision, having already made headlines by omitting Phil Foden, Cole Palmer, and Harry Maguire from his 26-man squad. The manager previously stated his confidence in his squad’s unity. “I can assure every fan in the country that we have 26 one-hundred-per-cent committed players in camp with us who know their roles, who are ready to buy into their role on and off the pitch, and are ready and committed to the idea of team spirit and being unselfish,” Tuchel remarked in May.

England’s preparation for the World Cup has included a series of warm-up matches:

• A 1-0 victory over New Zealand

• A 3-0 win against Costa Rica

• A dominant 6-0 triumph over Miami FC in a behind-closed-doors fixture

The team that started against Costa Rica is believed to closely resemble Tuchel’s intended lineup for the Croatia clash, according to BBC Sport.

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The opening fixture presents a formidable challenge against Croatia, a nation with a strong World Cup pedigree, having reached the final in 2018 and the semi-finals in 2022. Their squad boasts experienced talents such as Luka Modrić, Ivan Perišić, and Mateo Kovačić. England will then face Ghana in Foxborough on June 23, before concluding their group stage campaign against Panama in New Jersey on June 27.

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