Thomas Tuchel’s bold selections for England’s World Cup 2026 debut against Croatia

Thomas Tuchel is set to make some surprising decisions for England's World Cup 2026 opener against Croatia, potentially leaving out key players like Bukayo Saka and Marc Guehi.

Thomas Tuchel prepared to omit Bukayo Saka and Marc Guehi from England’s starting XI for the World Cup opener against Croatia on Wednesday in Dallas. The anticipated selection featured changes across defense and attack, with the official team announcement due later this evening ahead of kick-off.

Last update: 17 June 2026.

The decision mattered because it reshaped England’s first match under Tuchel at a global tournament against an opponent that has repeatedly tested England’s tactical and technical limits. It also signaled a willingness to back form and specific match profiles over recent hierarchies, as Saka managed an Achilles issue and Guehi had been a regular across the past two years.

Bold selections: Saka out, Guehi benched, new wide options

Tuchel’s projected back four comprised Nico O’ReillyJohn StonesEzri Konsa and Reece Jamesleaving Guehi on the bench despite his 27 caps and steady performances. In midfield, Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson were expected to anchor, with Jude Bellingham operating centrally in the advanced role.

On the flanks, Anthony Gordon was set to start on the left, while Noni Madueke was in line to start on the right in place of Saka. Captain Harry Kane was to lead the line.

Saka’s omission was a major talking point given his status as England’s usual right-sided starter. Guehi’s absence from the XI drew similar scrutiny after consistent national-team displays. The choices pointed to a preference for a more physical central pairing with Konsa and Stones, and for direct threat from wide areas via Gordon and Madueke, tailored to the specific demands of Croatia.

Tuchel’s approach and England’s mindset for Croatia

Tuchel projected calm and clarity around the opener, saying the squad required no extra motivation beyond the stage and stakes. “They know,” he said, underlining focus on controllables and a game plan built around the players’ strengths. He framed the match as a deliberate tone-setter: “I think we should play brave and play to the strengths of the players,” aiming to generate energy and a strong connection with supporters at home and in the stadium.

Kane, entering his sixth major tournament, echoed the intent. “I think the messaging will be to go with freedom,” he said, adding that England felt both physically and mentally ready. “We’re here to go far in the tournament, that’s our aim, that’s our goal,” Kane noted, highlighting the heightened intensity Tuchel had brought into preparation across the camp.

Croatia’s evolution: Modric-Kovacic core and wider threats

Tuchel assessed Croatia’s changes since the 2018 semi-final, pointing to an evolved structure with a back three, two fluid number-10s, and wing-backs supporting the experienced hub of Luka Modric and Mateo Kovacic. He flagged Ivan Perisic for his deliveries and wide influence and noted a new defensive generation, including emerging figures such as Luka Vuskovic and Martin Baturina. “It is a very difficult start,” Tuchel said, while stressing his focus on the group stage and the natural tension of matchday to sharpen England’s execution.

The matchup revived memories of England’s problems against Croatia’s midfield control in previous tournaments. Tuchel’s selections indicated an attempt to counter that with athleticism in the back line, ball-winning in the double pivot, and verticality from Gordon and Madueke to turn Croatian wing-backs and engage Kane early.

Reactions, debate, and timeline to kickoff

The leaked XI drew mixed responses. Former defender Stuart Pearce expressed surprise at Guehi’s benching, describing him as a “breath of fresh air” for England and questioning the decision to remove his level-headed presence. World Cup winner Emmanuel Petit pointed to Saka’s form and fitness as reasons to consider alternatives, arguing that “there are better players who deserve a place in the first XI” at this time.

The official team sheet was expected later this evening in Dallasconfirming whether Tuchel would proceed with Madueke over Saka and Konsa over Guehi. With focus firmly on the group stage, England targeted a strong start against Croatia’s blend of experience and youth, using a plan Tuchel framed as brave, clear, and aligned with player strengths ahead of a high-intensity opener.