Tuchel Opts for Madueke, Bellingham as England Face Croatia in World Cup Opener

England kicked off their 2026 World Cup campaign in Dallas against Croatia with a surprise starting lineup that saw Noni Madueke, Jude Bellingham and Anthony Gordon deployed behind captain Harry Kane. Manager Thomas Tuchel opted for caution, leaving Bukayo Saka and Marc Guéhi on the bench despite the latter's strong domestic form.

Tuchel's selection dilemmas had centered on attacking midfield and central defence, with Saka's fitness a particular talking point ahead of the important Group L clash. The German coach chose club teammate Madueke over the Arsenal winger in the attacking midfield role, while Bellingham was picked despite speculation over Morgan Rogers starting. On the left flank, Gordon was preferred to Marcus Rashford.

The most surprising decision came in defense, where Ezri Konsa and John Stones were selected ahead of Manchester City mainstay Guéhi. Tuchel had hinted at this choice after starting the same pair in the final warmup match against Costa Rica in Orlando, where Bellingham also impressed. The back four was completed by Reece James and Nico O'Reilly at full-back, with Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson continuing their midfield partnership.

Harry Kane captained the side, earning his 115th cap to join David Beckham in third place on England's all-time appearance list. The striker now sits just two goals shy of Gary Lineker's record of 10 World Cup goals.

Croatia, captained by Luka Modric at his fifth World Cup, included experienced players Ivan Perisic, 37, and Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol in their starting lineup. The two teams had a history of tense encounters, including Croatia's semifinal victory over England in the 2018 edition.