Bellingham set to start, but no Guehi - England's expected team — Sport

Jude Bellingham has earned four caps for England so far this season

Published 12 June 2026

In his first press conference on American soil, England manager Thomas Tuchel revealed that he has "14 or 15" players in mind for the starting lineup in their World Cup opener against Croatia next week.

Naturally, every manager prefers to keep rivals guessing regarding team selection.

However, did Tuchel drop hints during Wednesday's final World Cup warm-up match against Costa Rica?

A growing belief within the squad suggests that the lineup deployed in Orlando, with perhaps one or two changes, will be the one that kicks off the tournament.

Crucially, this would mean Jude Bellingham is poised to edge out Morgan Rogers for the coveted No. 10 role.

The debate between Bellingham and Rogers has been one of the most intense topics ahead of the competition.

Bellingham's talent and track record of delivering memorable moments for England are beyond dispute.

The fact that he operates under the high-pressure environment at Real Madrid only reinforces the argument that he should feature from the start in the USA.

Yet, Rogers' rise as a strong contender in the central attacking position has introduced some doubt about Bellingham's role.

Nevertheless, with sources indicating that the starting XI from the 3-0 victory over Costa Rica will closely resemble the team Tuchel selects against Croatia on Wednesday, Rogers will likely have to accept a spot on the bench.

We need to feel love playing for England - Bellingham Published 2 days ago

We need to feel love playing for England - Bellingham

Published 2 days ago

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'I don't agree with the squad he's picked' - Richards

Indeed, if that scenario holds, John Stones and Ezri Konsa appear set to start the World Cup as England's primary central defensive duo.

This would surprise many, given the widespread assumption that Marc Guehi was the team's top centre-back.

Guehi, following his transfer from Crystal Palace to Manchester City, was chosen ahead of Stones by Pep Guardiola during the final months of the season, though Stones' campaign was significantly disrupted by injury.

Guehi was a key figure for England during Euro 2024, and his international standing was expected to grow further under Tuchel.

However, there is a growing sense that Tuchel favours greater physicality in his centre-back pairing, with Stones and Konsa being larger than Guehi.

But as England prepare to face Croatia, Tuchel must also weigh the issue of balance.

Guehi typically operates as the left-sided centre-back, so with Stones and Konsa both right-footed, balance could remain a concern for Tuchel heading into the Croatia match.

On England's right flank, Noni Madueke started ahead of Bukayo Saka on Wednesday.

Naturally, a fully fit Saka would almost certainly be selected over his Arsenal teammate.

But Tuchel has acknowledged that Saka requires careful management during the tournament, as he continues to feel the effects of a lower leg muscle issue that prevented him from completing Arsenal's season run-in.

In fact, there was genuine worry at the Emirates Stadium late last season that Saka would miss the final weeks of the campaign, and Arsenal remain concerned about his fitness given he is currently outside their care.

There is optimism, however, that Saka's condition is improving daily in the US.

If England were playing in the knockout rounds today, Saka would likely be able to start, though he might not finish the match.

Thus, as the group stage approaches, the level of protection Tuchel offers Saka will influence the lineup the German coach chooses.

But in Madueke, Tuchel has a player he trusts and clearly values, should he decide to ease Saka into the competition.