Thomas Tuchel’s dream England XI for World Cup opener vs Croatia | Football | Sport
England’s strongest XI is up for debate (Image: Getty)
Thomas Tuchel’s 26-man England squad has been confirmed – yet questions persist over who will line up in his starting XI at the World Cup. The Three Lions will soon head to the United States for friendly fixtures against New Zealand and Costa Rica as part of their preparations for the major tournament.
Several high-profile names were absent from Tuchel’s squad, among them Cole Palmer, Phil Foden, Morgan Gibbs-White and Harry Maguire. Supporters were taken aback by the German’s announcement, though he maintained that every decision was made with the team’s collective good in mind. Addressing the reasoning behind his ruthless choices, Tuchel said: “Of course you saw our squad selection for the World Cup, which is an exciting day for me and for everyone selected.
“I think from day one we were very clear that we are trying to select and build the best possible team, which is not necessarily to select and collect the 26 most talented players. Teams win championships; it is as simple as that. What we are trying to achieve in the summer can only be achieved as a team.
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“I can assure every fan in the country that we have 26 100% committed players in camp with us, who know their role, who are ready to buy into their role, on and off the pitch, who are ready and committed to the idea of team spirit and being unselfish.”
Now that the squad has been confirmed, Express Sport examines the ideal starting XI Tuchel could field against Croatia in England’s opening World Cup fixture.
Jordan Pickford is an easy choice (Image: Getty)
Goalkeeper
This is arguably the most straightforward selection for Tuchel, with Jordan Pickford remaining an imposing and dependable presence between the posts. The Everton shot-stopper has earned 82 caps for his country and kept 11 clean sheets for his club this season.
James Trafford appears to be Pickford’s long-term successor and marked his senior debut for the Three Lions with a 1-1 draw against Uruguay. He is unlikely to dislodge the Toffees veteran from his starting position.
Dean Henderson remains back-up and last featured for England against Albania last year. The Crystal Palace ‘keeper will be eager to cap off the campaign in style with glory in the Conference League final on Wednesday.
O’Reilly and Stones balance youth with experience (Image: Getty)
Defence
Tuchel will be banking on a swift recovery among his defensive ranks if he is to name his strongest back four against Croatia. Nico O’Reilly has enjoyed a breakthrough season at Manchester City, contributing nine goals and six assists from 53 appearances.
The 21-year-old has established himself as the top option at left-back despite his limited international experience with the Three Lions. That inexperience, however, can be balanced by the presence of his now-former City colleague John Stones.
The centre-half departed the Etihad at the weekend following a decade at the club. He brings a wealth of knowledge to England’s backline, having accumulated 87 caps and scored three goals throughout his international career.
Tuchel will be hoping Stones’ most recent injury concern clears up swiftly after the defender returned for City in their final fixture against Aston Villa. He had managed just eight minutes against Crystal Palace in May prior to that, having battled through thigh and calf problems at the start of 2026.
Marc Guehi and Reece James make up the rest of the defence (Image: Getty)
Should Stones prove his fitness ahead of the Croatia clash, he will almost certainly be paired with fellow City man Marc Guehi. The former Palace defender joined Pep Guardiola’s side in January after establishing himself as a key figure in the England squad.
Guehi has collected three trophies over the past year, among them the FA Cup with both City and Palace. The 25-year-old made 53 appearances across all competitions this season and will be pivotal if the Three Lions are to add to that haul of silverware.
Reece James is the final piece of the defensive puzzle, though only if his own fitness concerns subside. The Chelsea captain missed a considerable chunk of the 2025/26 campaign due to hamstring and hip issues.
The right-back has impressed throughout his 22 England caps but has been plagued by injury absences in previous seasons. James came off the bench against Sunderland on Sunday, giving his hopes of facing Croatia in June a welcome boost.
Elliot Anderson and Declan Rice are the standout midfield picks (Image: Getty)
Midfield
While Tuchel handles some debate with his defensive and attacking selections, his midfield choices practically pick themselves. Premier League champion Declan Rice is among the first names pencilled onto the teamsheet.
That’s provided he can steer clear of injury in Saturday’s Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain. The 27-year-old has been ever-present for the Gunners this campaign, scoring five times and providing 11 assists.
He should be partnered in the middle of the pitch by Elliot Anderson, who has excelled in a struggling Nottingham Forest outfit. The 23-year-old boasts seven caps for England and has commanded a £100million valuation following his displays at the City Ground.
Marcus Rashford has fought his way into the England squad (Image: Getty)
Attack
Marcus Rashford enjoyed a career resurgence during a season-long loan spell at Barcelona this term. The forward forced his way back into the England set-up with his showings for the La Liga champions.
He registered 28 goal contributions and lifted two trophies with Barca, securing his place in the starting XI against Croatia. Bukayo Saka will occupy the opposite flank after helping deliver Premier League glory back to north London, recording 11 goals and nine assists across 48 outings during the 25/26 season.
Morgan Rogers may well have sealed the No.10 spot after inspiring Aston Villa to their first major silverware in 30 years. The 23-year-old contributed 26 goals and assists from various positions, including left wing. It is an incredibly close call between him and Jude Bellingham, given the Real Madrid star’s standout displays for England in recent tournaments.
Bellingham contributed eight goals and five assists for Madrid this season, yet failed to claim any silverware in Spain, and Tuchel’s emphasis on team unity suggests he may have to settle for a place on the bench.
Morgan Rogers could outmuscle Jude Bellingham for the No.10 role (Image: Getty)
Harry Kane rounds off what appears, on paper at least, to be a formidable attacking line-up. The Bayern Munich frontman has racked up 68 goal contributions for the club this season while clinching a domestic treble in Germany.
Kane is also England’s all-time leading goalscorer, having scored 78 goals in 112 appearances. The Three Lions captain is in the finest form of his career and will be determined to showcase his talents on the grandest stage of all this summer.
Dream starting XI vs Croatia
Pickford; James, Stones, Guehi, O’Reilly; Rice, Anderson; Saka, Rogers, Rashford; Kane
