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].