Bellingham favored to start at No 10 as England finalize World Cup lineup for 2026

England manager Thomas Tuchel is expected to name Jude Bellingham as the starting No 10 for the 2026 World Cup opener against Croatia.

Tuchel hints at likely starting XI In his initial media session on American soil, England manager Thomas Tuchel revealed he has narrowed down his starting options to roughly 14 or 15 players for the team's World Cup debut against Croatia next week. Coaches typically avoid revealing their exact selections, but subtle clues may have emerged during England's final warm-up match against Costa Rica on Tuesday. Within the squad, there is a strong belief that the starting lineup used in Orlando—with perhaps one or two small adjustments—will be the same group that kicks off the tournament. This reinforces the idea that Jude Bellingham is on track to claim the highly sought-after No 10 position over Morgan Rogers. ## Bellingham vs Rogers: A heated competition The debate between selecting Jude Bellingham or Morgan Rogers has been one of the most intense discussions leading into the tournament. Bellingham's reputation for delivering standout performances in an England shirt is beyond question, and his experience in high-pressure matches with Real Madrid further strengthens the argument for his inclusion. However, the rise of Rogers as a strong alternative in the central attacking role has created some doubt about Bellingham's path to the starting lineup. Yet, with indications that the team that began the 3-0 victory over Costa Rica will closely resemble the side chosen for Croatia, Rogers will likely have to begin the tournament from the bench. ## Stones and Konsa selected over Guehi in defense Reports suggest John Stones and Ezri Konsa will start as England's first-choice center-back pairing in the World Cup, a decision that has caught many by surprise given the expectation that Marc Guehi would be the primary option at the heart of defense. Since joining Manchester City from Crystal Palace, Guehi was favored over Stones by Pep Guardiola in the closing months of the season, though Stones' season was frequently interrupted by injuries. Guehi played a key role for England during Euro 2024, and his influence was expected to grow under Tuchel, but there is a growing sense that the manager prefers a more physically imposing defensive duo in Stones and Konsa compared to Guehi. ## Defensive balance concerns linger With both Stones and Konsa being right-footed, England's defensive balance could still be a concern for Tuchel ahead of the Croatia game, especially since Guehi typically occupies the left-sided center-back role. The coach may need to carefully weigh these factors when finalizing his team for the tournament opener. The choice reflects a potential shift in tactical preference toward stronger aerial presence and physicality in the defensive line. ## Madueke starts ahead of Saka on the right wing On the right side of England's attack, Noni Madueke earned the starting nod over Bukayo Saka in the recent match, though a fully fit Saka would almost certainly be the first choice. Tuchel has acknowledged that Saka will require careful management throughout the tournament due to lingering effects from a lower leg muscle issue that limited his involvement in Arsenal's late-season fixtures. Earlier this year, there were serious concerns at the Emirates Stadium that Saka might miss the final stretch of the campaign, and Arsenal continue to monitor his fitness closely as he is not currently under their care. There is optimism, however, that Saka's condition is gradually improving during the team's time in the United States. ## Saka's fitness to dictate his role in group stage By the time England reaches the knockout rounds, Saka could be fit enough to start matches, though he may not play the full 90 minutes. For the group stage games, Tuchel will need to carefully consider how much protection he provides to Saka, as this will influence the final selections. The manager has expressed trust in Madueke, who has impressed in training and matches, making him a reliable option if Tuchel decides to ease Saka into the competition gradually.