Thomas Tuchel has all but confirmed Jude Bellingham will start England’s World Cup opener against Croatia – but the manager’s defensive selection has raised eyebrows after Marc Guehi was tipped for the bench.
Speaking in Kansas City, Tuchel said he had “14 or 15” players in mind for the starting XI, and the team that thrashed Costa Rica 3-0 in the final warm-up is expected to be close to the one that faces Croatia on Wednesday, barring one or two changes. Sources within the camp suggest Bellingham has won the race for the No.10 role ahead of Morgan Rogers, who will likely be a substitute.
“Tuchel set to start Bellingham and drop Guehi; Richards slams squad omissions of Palmer, Foden, Maguire and Alexander-Arnold.”
But the biggest shock is in defence. John Stones and Ezri Konsa are set to start as the central defensive pairing, leaving Guehi – widely considered England’s first-choice centre-back – on the bench. Since his move from Crystal Palace to Manchester City, Guehi was regularly picked ahead of Stones by Pep Guardiola, but Tuchel appears to prefer the physicality of Stones and Konsa, both right-footed. Balance may still be a concern.
The squad selection has already drawn sharp criticism from former England full-back Micah Richards. Speaking on BBC, Richards said: “I don’t agree with the squad he’s picked because I would have had at least Phil Foden or Cole Palmer in there because in tournaments there’s obviously moments. Cole Palmer can come up with a great moment at any time.” He also questioned the omissions of Harry Maguire and Trent Alexander-Arnold, replaced by Jordan Henderson, Dan Burn and Djed Spence. Richards acknowledged Tuchel’s tactical acumen but insisted: “I don’t necessarily agree with it.”
Presenter Gabby Logan noted Tuchel’s emphasis on building culture, having left out “very talented players”. Richards argued Tuchel wants players “who probably are not going to sulk” and are happy to play supporting roles – a philosophy he understands but does not endorse.
England are one of the last teams to start the tournament, which kicked off with Mexico beating South Africa 2-0 and Canada drawing 1-1 with Bosnia. The USA thrashed Paraguay 4-1, with former England Under-21 international Folarin Balogun scoring twice. Elsewhere, former Arsenal star Thomas Partey was refused entry to Canada for Ghana’s match as he awaits trial over charges of rape and sexual assault.
But all eyes are on Tuchel’s side. The debate over his squad – and whether he has left out match-winners for loyalty – will only intensify if England stumble against Croatia.