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The latest England team news, injury update and predicted XI as Thomas Tuchel’s side prepare for their 2026 World Cup opener against Croatia
It’s almost time. England have had to wait for almost a week since the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup to play their opening game, with the expanded tournament meaning there have been a mountain of games to get through before reaching the Three Lions, Croatia, Ghana and Panama in Group L. Thomas Tuchel’s side take on Zlatko Dalic’s men on Wednesday in what should be a fiercely fought contest, with both sides confident in their abilities to head into the next round as group winners.
England bounced back from their drab 1-0 warm-up win over New Zealand with a much improved performance against Costa Rica last weekend, cruising to a 3-0 win in Orlando. The Three Lions head into the Croatia match with no real injury concerns of note, bar Bukayo Saka’s long-standing Achilles problem that has hampered much of his season. The 24-year-old Arsenal star has insisted he’s feeling fit and raring to go, but his minutes are expected to be managed carefully by Tuchel throughout the tournament.
Croatia have had their fair share of meaningful fixtures with England in recent years, the most memorable being the 2018 World Cup semi-final in which Gareth Southgate’s side went a goal up after just five minutes via Kieran Trippier’s stunning free-kick, only for the opposition to eventually win in extra time. Other highlights include England’s 1-0 win when the two sides met in their Euro 2020 opener, and the Three Lions’ dramatic 2-1 UEFA Nations League win in 2018 at Wembley that saw them progress to the finals.
Ahead of Wednesday’s big kick-off, we’ve predicted the most likely England XI to take on Croatia, as Tuchel’s side look to get the tournament off to a flying start at the Dallas Stadium in Texas.
England predicted line-up vs Croatia: goalkeeper and defence
Jordan Pickford - GK: The charismatic ‘keeper is heading into his fifth tournament as England’s number one, having built up some crucial experience in crunch knockout games and nerve-shredding penalty shoot-outs. He’s still very much the first choice between the sticks, despite stiff competition from Crystal Palace’s Dean Henderson and Manchester City’s James Trafford.
Reece James - RB: Chelsea’s captain has struggled with injury problems throughout the past couple of seasons, but is unquestionably one of the best right-backs in world football on his day. As impressive going forward as he is in defence, the 26-year-old is an integral part of Tuchel’s back four. He’ll likely be used sparingly throughout the group stages, with Newcastle United’s Tino Livramento waiting in the wings to come on when required.
Ezri Konsa - CB: England’s centre-back decision has been heavily debated in the build-up to the tournament, with Marc Guehi initially believed to be the guaranteed starter with either Konsa or John Stones vying for the spot alongside him. However, it now appears that Konsa has done enough to get in over Guehi and is expected to start against Croatia and earn his 19th cap in the process.
John Stones - CB: Despite missing most of the season with injury, Tuchel is set to back the experienced centre-back as Konsa’s partner at the back. Like Pickford, he’s featured at four major tournaments before, and was part of a defence that kept five clean sheets in the run to the Euro 2020 final.
Nico O’Reilly - LB: A breakthrough season at Manchester City has seen the 21-year-old force his way into the squad, which led to the controversial omission of both Luke Shaw and Lewis Hall. His ability to invert into a central midfield role when in possession is the reason why Tuchel is so fond of the youngster, who also boasts a formidable physical presence which aids both his defensive and attacking endeavours.
England predicted line-up vs Croatia: midfield and attack
Declan Rice - CM: Rice’s return for the Costa Rica game was a welcome one, as he bossed the midfield in the manner he usually does for both club and country. The Arsenal gem has played just short of 5000 minutes of football this season, but somehow still looks to have some energy left in the tank ahead of England’s World Cup campaign. His composure on the ball and ability to deliver a set-piece with pinpoint accuracy are invaluable assets for Tuchel to call upon.
Elliot Anderson - CM: The Nottingham Forest talisman could be set to join Man City in a deal worth well over £100m this summer, but for now he’s fully focused on matters in North America. The all-action midfielder has developed an encouraging partnership with Rice in the middle, allowing his teammate to drive forward with the ball when they’re on the attack.
Noni Madueke - AMR: A big call here, but probably a necessary one. Losing Saka in the first group game would be nothing short of a disaster for England, with only Madueke available as a natural replacement on the right flank. Saka’s understudy missed an open goal against Costa Rica, but otherwise looked in decent shape, and will be looking to cause Croatian left-back Josko Gvardiol some serious problems with his raw pace and dribbling prowess.
Jude Bellingham - AMC: Morgan Rogers was Tuchel’s golden boy in the qualifiers, but Bellingham looks set to beat him to a starting spot at the tournament itself. The Real Madrid gem appears to have adapted to play the role as the Three Lions boss demands, and will be looking to add to the three international goals he already has - the highlight being his overhead kick that saw England secure a last gasp equaliser against Slovakia in the Euro 2024 round of sixteen, a game they eventually won in extra time.
Anthony Gordon - AML: Much like the number ten role, it’s a straight shootout between two players to start on the left wing. New £70M Barcelona man Gordon looks to have won the battle here, slipping in ahead of Marcus Rashford. The pair are expected to be interchanged throughout matches and indeed the tournament, but Gordon’s relentless attacking intent against Costa Rica appears to have done enough to cement his position as Tuchel’s first choice in that position.
Harry Kane - ST: England’s all-time record goal-scorer is a favourite with many to win the Golden Boot at an international tournament for a third time. He’ll also be looking to move ahead of Gary Lineker as England’s top scorer at major tournaments, as he currently sits just two goals off the former Match of the Day presenter’s record of ten. Kane netted an astonishing 61 goals in 51 games for Bayern Munich last season, and will be desperate to bring that form into the World Cup. If he does, then England’s hopes of going all the way will receive a major boost.
England predicted line-up in full: Pickford; James, Konsa, Stones, O’Riley; Rice, Anderson; Madueke, Bellingham, Gordon; Kane.
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