Thomas Tuchel has spent more than a year trying to figure out his best England starting XI, but with the Three Lions about to kick-off their 2026 World Cup campaign, things have remained up in the air until the last few days before England clash with Croatia in Dallas.
Tuchel previously admitted that he has "14 or 15" starters that he was mulling over, with four positions - left-wing, right-wing, attacking midfield, and centre-back - truly up for debate ahead of the tournament.
The latest reports suggest thatTuchel has chosen his pairing in defence, and will opt for the surprise selection of John Stones alongside Aston Villa's Ezri Konsa.
On the right, meanwhile, Bukayo Saka would be a shoo-in, but the Arsenal winger is struggling with an Achilles problem. Centrally, Jude Bellingham is an immense talent, but Tuchel's affinity for Morgan Rogers is well known. And then on the left, Anthony Gordon and Marcus Rashford have been in an open competition to start.
But whoshouldTuchel select on Wednesday?GOALlays out our preferred England XI for their World Cup opener against Croatia...