The 2026 World Cup began with a moment of unwanted history – the tournament opener overshadowed by a red card incident that left pundits and fans stunned. Details of the punishment were explained as the controversy dominated headlines, but it was the wrong kind of record for the hosts.
As the fallout from that opening game continues, England manager Thomas Tuchel has been finalising his plans for next week's crucial Group A clash against Croatia. Speaking at his first media briefing in Kansas City, Tuchel revealed he had “14 or 15” players in mind for the starting XI – but sources within the camp indicate that the side that beat Costa Rica 3-0 in Wednesday's final warm-up will be close to the lineup that takes the field.
“England set to start Bellingham as World Cup opener overshadowed by red card controversy”
Crucially, that means Jude Bellingham is set to win the race for the coveted No 10 role ahead of Morgan Rogers, whose emergence this season had sparked one of the most fiercely debated selection dilemmas. Bellingham’s ability and history of producing special moments in an England shirt, combined with his experience at Real Madrid, have fuelled the sense he should start.
But the biggest surprise may be at the back. Despite the widely held view that Marc Guehi was England’s first-choice centre-back – he started ahead of John Stones for Manchester City under Pep Guardiola and became central to the national side during Euro 2024 – Tuchel appears to prefer more physicality. Stones and Ezri Konsa, both taller and more robust than Guehi, are expected to start as the central defensive pairing, leaving Guehi on the bench.
Balance remains a consideration: Guehi is a left-sided defender, while Stones and Konsa are both right-footed. Tuchel will have to weigh that against his desire for physicality when he names the team.
For fans eager to soak up the tournament atmosphere, Amazon is offering a free three-month Audible subscription to Prime members, including audiobooks by Three Lions legends Paul Gascoigne and Gareth Southgate. Gascoigne’s memoir *Eight* chronicles his meteoric rise and personal struggles, while Southgate’s *Dear England: Lessons in Leadership* lays bare the principles behind his decisions as manager. The offer runs until July 15, with a £10 Audible credit for those who sign up by July 10.
As England prepare for their opener, the shadow of the tournament’s first red card looms – a reminder that history can be made for all the wrong reasons.