5 England clues Thomas Tuchel has shared with World Cup squad numbers | Football | Sport

June 3, 2026 4,551

Thomas Tuchel addresses the team

England have started training in the US (Image: Getty)

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The likely make-up of England’s starting XI for their World Cup opener against Croatia has become clearer following the announcement of squad numbers. Thomas Tuchel had already sparked debate with his squad selection, which saw the likes of Harry Maguire, Phil Foden and Cole Palmer omitted, while John Stones, Jordan Henderson and Ivan Toney were included.

The allocated squad numbers don’t confirm Tuchel has finalised his team for the June 17 clash in Dallas and much will hinge on who shines in the pre-tournament friendlies against New Zealand and Costa Rica. However, they provide insight into the head coach’s mindset and which players he is leaning toward. Declan Rice and Harry Kane haven’t been given numbers four and nine by accident – they will be two of the first names on the teamsheet. So what do the squad numbers potentially reveal regarding the borderline selections?

Watkins second choice

Every supporter and his dog knows Kane will spearhead the attack but the identity of the primary back-up option has been less clear-cut until now. That appears to be Ollie Watkins, who has been handed No.19, with surprise inclusion Toney receiving No.23.

Marcus Rashford (No.11) offers a central striking option, but it appears the Aston Villa forward, who enjoyed a strong end to the season, will serve as the primary back-up should, God forbid, anything happen to Kane.

Konsa likely starter

Ezri Konsa has been handed the No.2 shirt, though the Villa defender is unlikely to feature at right-back unless circumstances demand it. Instead, he appears set to partner Marc Guehi at the heart of the defence. Konsa’s reliability, pace in recovery and versatility across the back line have established him as a key selection in Tuchel’s set-up.

Ezri Konsa of England

Ezri Konsa looks a good bet to start against Croatia (Image: Getty Images)

Stones in contention

Stones raised a few eyebrows with his inclusion – and not solely amongst members of Maguire’s family – having managed only a handful of starts during the season. Tuchel has awarded him the No.5 shirt, indicating he will be first in line should either Konsa or Guehi be unavailable.

He may even pip Konsa to a starting berth. Stones brings composure on the ball and invaluable major-tournament experience as he prepares for another World Cup, despite enduring an injury-disrupted campaign.

Bellingham vs Rogers

One of Tuchel’s most intriguing selection dilemmas will be who to deploy in the No.10 role. If shirt numbers are anything to go by, Jude Bellingham will get the nod over Morgan Rogers (No.17).

Bellingham has been a regular fixture in the Three Lions’ starting line-up in recent years, yet the Real Madrid ace has found his playing time reduced by Rogers, who now boasts 13 caps. Bellingham is far from guaranteed a starting berth against Croatia. Even if he does start, Rogers will push him hard, which should ideally bring out the best in both players.

Morgan Rogers and Jude Bellingham

Morgan Rogers and Jude Bellingham are vying for the No.10 role behind Harry Kane (Image: The FA via Getty Images)

Rashford over Gordon?

Marcus Rashford and Anthony Gordon could find themselves rivals at both club and international level. Gordon’s switch to Barcelona has thrown further doubt over Rashford’s hopes of converting his Nou Camp loan into a permanent deal.

However, there are indications he could remain in Catalonia for a cut-price fee unless Manchester United receive a more attractive offer from elsewhere.

Regarding England, Rashford appears to have been given the nod for the left flank role if the squad numbers are anything to go by. He has been allocated the No.11 shirt, while Gordon will don the No.18.

Marcus Rashford