The England manager is keeping his cards close to his heart but has plenty of options ahead of the Three Lions’ Group L opener against Croatia
Thomas Tuchel faces several selection dilemmas ahead of England and Croatia (Image: Bradley Collyer/PA Wire)
When it comes to England’s foreign managers taking charge of their opening World Cup match, Thomas Tuchel has no difficult act to follow.
Sven-Goran Eriksson’s side won 1-0 against Paraguay in 2006, but the Swedes were held to a 1-1 draw against their home country in the 2002 tournament.
The writing was on the wall for Fabio Capello’s unlucky tilt at the 2010 World Cup when England could only manage a single draw against the USA in their first match. It was an eerily poor display.
It is not a good idea to read too much into the first round matches of the World Cup. Argentina lost to Saudi Arabia in the opening game of the 2022 group, then won all the games.
No one in their right mind would think that Spain was flushed just because they didn’t beat Cape Verde on Monday night. England drew with Uruguay in their first match of the 1966 World Cup.
But the game against Croatia in Arlington will be Tuchel’s moment to put down a marker. England’s qualifying group was so straightforward that it was almost impossible to read anything into it.
A perfect performance against inferior opposition in the qualifiers, combined with some below-average performances in some friendlies against higher-ranked opponents, suggests the jury is still out on whether Tuchel is right for England. Needless to say, Croatia will be a tough opponent.
Jude Bellingham looks set to win the battle for England’s starting XI against Morgan Rodgers (Image: The FA via Getty Images)
However, Tuchel should be able to come up with an attacking unit from his team’s options that will give England an advantage from the first match. That’s why he needs to make bold choices in the starting lineup.
Choosing Jude Bellingham, Real Madrid’s marquee talent and recognized as a big-game operator, is a natural rather than bold move, but Morgan Rodgers, who has served Tuchel very well, still has a chance to start. However, Tuchel is sure to release Bellingham from the off-season.
And that should also apply to Marcus Rashford, who did not have an overly demanding club season at Barcelona and will be motivated by the Catalan club’s decision not to make his move permanent. Anthony Gordon may be able to do more from a defensive perspective, but Harry Kane is the only player in this team who has scored more England goals than Rashford, and Rashford can break up close games.
Tuchel going with Rashford is a sign of positive intent and the same will be read into the selection of defenders. The obvious concern with John Stones is his relative lack of game time for Manchester City last season.
Marcus Rashford is competing with Anthony Gordon for a place in Thomas Tuchel’s line-up (Image: Rich Storey, Getty Images)
But he’s fresh, fit and, most importantly, capable of being a starting offensive threat. And Stones will complement club team-mate Nico O’Reilly by providing additional attacking dimension.
Beating Croatia will require creativity across the pitch. And Tuchel has plenty at his disposal should he choose to use it. Like most teams in the tournament, Tuchel may not be able to show his strength in the early stages, but he could lead a side that cements their place as one of England’s hot spots at the 2026 World Cup.
And this is what it looks like. Pickford – James, Guehi, Stones, O’Reilly – Anderson, Rice – Saka, Bellingham, Rashford – Kane. Regards, Thomas.
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