Thomas Tuchel has spent over a year determining his strongest England starting XI, yet with the Three Lions set to begin their 2026 World Cup campaign, the final line-up remained uncertain until just days before their meeting with Croatia in Dallas.

Tuchel earlier revealed that he had “14 or 15” potential starters in mind, with four positions — left-wing, right-wing, attacking midfield, and centre-back — still genuinely contested as the tournament approached.

Recent reports indicate Tuchel has finalised his defensive pairing, surprising many by choosing John Stones to partner Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa at the back.

On the right flank, Bukayo Saka would normally be a guaranteed starter, but the Arsenal winger continues to struggle with an Achilles issue. In central areas, Jude Bellingham’s brilliance is undisputed, though Tuchel’s admiration for Morgan Rogers is well known. On the left, Anthony Gordon and Marcus Rashford have been competing head-to-head for a starting berth.

So, who should Tuchel select on Wednesday? Here’s the preferred England XI for their World Cup opener against Croatia.

Goalkeeper: Jordan Pickford

Some selections are automatic, and Jordan Pickford is certainly one of them. Despite criticism at club level, the Everton goalkeeper consistently delivers for England. Over nearly a decade, he has built immense credit as a reliable performer — his heroics in penalty shootouts are particularly noteworthy. Pickford’s four shootout saves since 2018 are twice as many as all England goalkeepers managed in the previous 22 years combined.

But he’s far more than a penalty expert. Pickford is a sharp shot-stopper, an excellent distributor, and a vocal leader. While James Trafford may eventually take over, the position remains Pickford’s to lose until Trafford gains regular club minutes.

Right-Back: Reece James

Ideally, this would be a straight competition between Reece James and Trent Alexander-Arnold. However, after a disappointing debut season at Real Madrid, Alexander-Arnold has dropped out of contention. With Tino Livramento sidelined by a calf injury, this role is now firmly in James’ hands.

That’s hardly a problem — James is an outstanding full-back. While injuries remain a concern, the Chelsea captain’s quality and leadership are beyond dispute.

Centre-Back: Ezri Konsa

Had he been included in the squad, Harry Maguire would have been a strong candidate to start. However, the Manchester United defender has been left out, with Tuchel preferring other options. Konsa is a solid choice, having matured into one of Aston Villa’s most complete defenders. Although aerial dominance isn’t his strongest trait, Konsa’s tackling, reading of space, and recovery speed make him a dependable selection.

Centre-Back: Marc Guehi

Reports suggest Marc Guehi won’t start at the World Cup, a decision that’s difficult to justify. Over the past 18 months, Guehi has arguably been England’s most consistent centre-back. For Crystal Palace, he was exceptional in both two- and three-man defences. His move to Manchester City started shakily but he quickly adapted to the higher level of play.

Nevertheless, Tuchel appears inclined towards Guehi’s club teammate, John Stones. Given Stones’ injury history and fitness issues, that decision raises concerns.

Left-Back: Nico O'Reilly

Left-back has long been a problem area for England. Since Luke Shaw’s impressive Euro 2021 campaign, a reliable, in-form option has been hard to find. Enter Nico O'Reilly — though not a natural left-back, he is a Pep Guardiola-style tactical experiment: an attacking midfielder repurposed for his technical ability. The transformation has worked well, with O'Reilly’s attacking instincts shining for Manchester City in key matches last season.

His defensive ability remains somewhat untested, largely because City’s system limits his defensive workload. Still, O'Reilly represents the most stable left-back option England have had in recent years.

Central Midfielder: Elliot Anderson

Elliot Anderson may not be the flashiest player, but he brings essential balance. The Nottingham Forest midfielder is competent across the board, even if not a specialist. His role as the link between England’s midfielders could prove pivotal — he’s the one who can turn a group of gifted individuals into a cohesive unit.

Central Midfielder: Declan Rice

Declan Rice’s inclusion needs no justification. The Premier League’s best midfielder — and among the world’s elite — remains central to England’s plans. Having been a consistent starter across the last two major tournaments, his leadership and consistency are invaluable. With Anderson covering deeper duties, Rice may have more freedom to push forward this time.

Attacking Midfielder: Jude Bellingham

The supposed debate between Morgan Rogers and Jude Bellingham should not even exist. Rogers is a fine player and will likely earn a big transfer soon, but Bellingham is on another level. The Real Madrid star’s vision, intelligence, and goal-scoring instincts make him irreplaceable. If Bellingham performs at his best, England’s chances of going far increase dramatically.

Right Wing: Noni Madueke

Under normal circumstances, a fit Bukayo Saka would be the clear choice. However, recurring injuries have hampered him, and his form dipped late last season, culminating in a poor Champions League final. Madueke, his Arsenal teammate and understudy, may not match Saka technically, but his energy and freshness make him a suitable alternative. Given Tuchel’s preference for pace and directness, Madueke fits the tactical plan — even if it’s a slight downgrade.

Striker: Harry Kane

This selection speaks for itself. While a Kane–Ollie Watkins partnership would be intriguing — with Kane dropping deeper and Watkins exploiting space behind — it’s a tactical luxury that’s hard to execute. Simplicity is key here: Kane leads the line.

Left Wing: Anthony Gordon

Ironically, England’s best two options on the left — Marcus Rashford and Anthony Gordon — both belong to Barcelona, though their paths have barely crossed. Rashford enjoyed impressive moments last season, producing several match-winning displays, but his form wasn’t enough to secure a permanent move from Manchester United.

Meanwhile, Barcelona have since added Gordon, a dynamic winger who stretches the pitch and contributes goals. Both are excellent options, but Gordon deserves the starting nod. His relentless pressing and intensity offer qualities England will need against Croatia.

How far can England go in the 2026 World Cup?