Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyle'How England's impossible job became a dream job for a German: Tuchel loves it'England, managed by Thomas Tuchel, will commence their 2026 World Cup campaign against Croatia in Dallas on Wednesday, aiming to secure a second star on their shirt after an unbeaten qualification run. The likely starting XI includes Jordan Pickford in goal, with Reece James and Nico O’Reilly as full-backs, and John Stones expected to partner Ezri Konsa in central defence, reflecting Tuchel's emphasis on height and physicality. The midfield is anticipated to feature Elliot Anderson and Declan Rice centrally, with Jude Bellingham in the No 10 position, providing crucial attacking support and leadership alongside captain Harry Kane. Key selection dilemmas persist on the wings, where Bukayo Saka's fitness may open opportunities for Noni Madueke on the right, while Anthony Gordon and Marcus Rashford are competing for the left-wing role. Harry Kane will spearhead the attack following an outstanding season for Bayern Munich, and Tuchel's squad selection strategy has prioritised team cohesion by omitting high-profile players like Trent Alexander-Arnold, Phil Foden, and Cole Palmer to prevent discontent on the bench. In fullHow will England line up against Croatia in their 2026 World Cup opener?Thank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

England have named their starting XI for the 2026 World Cup opener against Croatia, deploying a 4-2-3-1 formation with Kane, Bellingham, Saka, and Rice.

With 48 hours to go before Dallas opener, our experts analyse the head coach's options

Thomas Tuchel will lead England out in his first major match as the Three Lions boss against Croatia in Group L of the 2026 World Cup

England start their bid to end 60 years of hurt in Dallas on Wednesday evening. We've asked our experts to pick their XIs to beat Croatia and get the World Cup off to a flier. Do…

England face Croatia in their World Cup 2026 opener, but how will Thomas Tuchel's Three Lions fare? We used the EA Sports FC 26 match engine to simulate the massive fixture - and…

Saka set to start, Gordon ahead of Rashford, Guehi benched, Bellingham at No10 - here's how chief football writer John Cross believes England will line-up against Croatia on…

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England's World Cup quest to emulate the glory of 1966 will begin on Wednesday night as Thomas Tuchel's side face Croatia in Texas.

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England finally get their World Cup campaign under way against Croatia in Dallas on Wednesday after lengthy preparation under the watchful eye of Thomas Tuchel

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England kick off their World Cup 2026 campaign in Dallas when they face Croatia on Wednesday night with Thomas Tuchel having been keeping his players guessing on the starting…

England coach Thomas Tuchel said he expected former Real Madrid legend Luka Modrić and Manchester City's Mateo Kovačić to still be the "heartbeat" of the Croatian side. #EuropeNews

England are finally ready to join the World Cup party - and get underway with their opening game against Croatia in Group L tonight.