England boss Tuchel explains key selection decisions ahead of Croatia World Cup clash
Why Tuchel’s England starting XI may throw up a few surprises
England manager Thomas Tuchel has explained his selection ahead of their World Cup opener against Croatia in Dallas.
Jude Bellingham has been chosen to start in the No 10 position ahead of Morgan Rogers, Anthony Gordon will start ahead of Marcus Rashford and Noni Madueke is in the starting XI with Bukayo Saka not being fully fit.
Tuchel admitted the decision to pick Bellingham over Rogers was “very close” but he opted to pick the same team that started England’s final warm-up match against Costa Rica.
Tuchel also stated Saka had an “incredible” training session on Tuesday amid his fitness issues, but emphasised the importance of having strong bench to make an impact later in the game.
Full starting line-up: Pickford, James, Stones, Konsa, O’Reilly, Anderson, Rice, Bellingham, Madueke, Gordon, Kane
