PREDICTED England 2026 World Cup Lineup Vs Croatia

England’s 2026 World Cup campaign is due to begin in just a couple of days. Anticipation is reaching a fever pitch amongst Three Lions fans – but who will Thomas Tuchel select to take on Croatia?

Today, we’ll give our take on who England might field in their opening World Cup XI. There could be a one or two surprising picks on Wednesday evening – who would make it into your starting lineup?

GK: Jordan Pickford

This one is a bit of a lock. Jordan Pickford has been England’s undisputed number one for almost a decade now – we see no reason at all as to why he should be deposed at such a crucial moments.

Of course, Dean Henderson and James Trafford are worthy deputies to the Everton man, but they will have to wait for their turn for a chance between the sticks for now.

RB: Reece James

Like Pickford, this is also a bit of a lock, if somewhat less so. Tino Livramento is a perfectly fine right-back, but he simply is not on Reece James’ level as things stand.

Defensively solid, technically sound and with a fantastic attacking acumen, James has plenty to offer – he’s also a very capable free-kick taker.

CB: Ezri Konsa

As things stand, it looks pretty certain than Ezri Konsa will start for England in their centre-back two. Described by former manager Dean Smith as a ‘Rolls-Royce’ on BBC Radio 5 Live, Konsa led a fantastic campaign at the heart of Aston Villa’s defence.

As such, his fine form at club level is set to be rewarded with a run in the first team for England at the World Cup. An archetypal modern defender, the only question is this – who will play alongside him?

CB: John Stones

This might initially strike one as a surprising pick, but a recent report from BBC Sport inidicates that Tuchel has been very impressed with John Stones’ performances in their friendly matches in the build-up to the World Cup.

Despite having a season at Manchester City ravaged by injuries, Stones is now fit to play. Conversly, Marc Guehi is thought to be ‘nursing’ an injury problem ahead of the game and may miss out as a result [via BBC Sport].

LB: Nico O’Reilly

Nico O’Reilly is one of the best young defenders in the world at the moment. After a sensational season at the Etihad Stadium, it would be very surprising to see him miss out on England’s XI to face Croatia.

With outstanding technical ability and underrated defensive ability, O’Reilly is amongst the best players in England’s squad at the World Cup this year.

CM: Declan Rice

Declan Rice is pretty much certain to start in the game against Croatia. One may suggest he is the Three Lions’ best player at the moment – therefore, his involvement from the get-go is nailed on.

But what role does he occupy? Does he play the box-to-box role, or does he sit in front of the centre-backs? For us, this is the biggest question that Tuchel must answer regarding the Arsenal star.

CM: Elliot Anderson

Out of all of England’s existing central midfielders in the squad, none of them have been as impressive as Elliot Anderson was in the previous club season. Running Nottingham Forest’s midfield, his energy and range of passing will pay dividends towards England’s success.

However, playing Anderson means that Rice will have to occupy the holding role, where we feel he is comewhat wasted. With that being said, we’re doubtful that Tuchel is brave enough to start Jordan Henderson over the 23-year-old. Kobbie Mainoo could also start, but Anderson will probably be favoured over him as the more senior player.

RW: Bukayo Saka

Now, Bukayo Saka has been suffering with injuries in the build up to the World Cup. This doesn’t mean he won’t be involved though – in fact, reports suggest that he is set to start for the Three Lions on Wednesday regardless.

However, Saka is unlikely to play the full 90 minutes. He’ll probably be replaced by Noni Madueke at some point, but one can expect him to be named amongst the starting XI.

AM: Jude Bellingham

There has been much debate as to whether Jude Bellingham or Morgan Rogers will fulfil the role of England’s number ten, but reports seem to indicate that it will be the Real Madrid man taking on the mantle.

In many ways, Bellingham compliments (spoilers) Harry Kane very well. Kane often likes to drop deep to receive the ball, much to the chagrin of Three Lions fans, but Bellingham often fills the gap by pushing further forward when he does this.

LW: Anthony Gordon

It is very, very hard to pick between Anthony Gordon and Marcus Rashford on the left wing, but we think Gordon will just edge it. Tuchel is tending to favour players who have played well in England’s pre-World Cup friendlies – the Barcelona man has notched up two goal contributions in two games, while Rashford didn’t pick up any.

This one really could go either way. There is also Morgan Rogers and Eberechi Eze who could play on the left, but they’re more likely to be fielded as number tens.

ST: Harry Kane

Barring a freak injury in training, we can’t see Tuchel looking past Harry Kane to play as England’s lone striker in his 4-3-3 system.

As far as many audiences as concerned, Kane is England’s best player. Some may even view him as the best English striker in history – it’d be a massive shock to see him left out of the lineup.