VOTE: Thomas Tuchel's five big England selection decisions against Croatia, including Anthony Gordon v Marcus Rashford and Bukayo Saka dilemma

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The 2026 World Cup is in full flow and England will play their first game on Wednesday, June 17 when they face Croatia in Dallas, Texas at 21:00 UK time.

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England are in Group L at the World Cup alongside 2018 runners-up Croatia, Ghana and Panama.

Several players look nailed-on to start the opening game for The Three Lions, including striker Harry Kane, goalkeeper Jordan Pickford and midfielders Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson.

But having made several surprising calls when announcing his squad for the World Cup, will Thomas Tuchel spring any shocks with his starting XI against Croatia?

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Have your say on who should get the nod in the key starting spot battles.

Gordon v Rashford

One of Tuchel’s biggest calls looks to be on the left wing between Anthony Gordon and Marcus Rashford.

Gordon has recently signed for Barcelona from Newcastle, while Rashford is leaving Barca after a loan spell from Manchester United.

Both Gordon and Rashford started one of England's friendlies before the tournament against New Zealand and Costa Rica, with the other coming on as a substitute.

It looks a close one to call, so who will Tuchel go for?

Rogers v Bellingham

Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers are childhood friends, with Rogers recently calling Bellingham his "little big brother."

Tuchel has suggested that the pair can play together but it appears likely that they are both vying for the No. 10 spot against Croatia.

Livramento out of World Cup due to injury

Rogers was a key player in qualifying and featured in all eight games.

But will Tuchel go with Aston Villa’s Rogers or Real Madrid’s Bellingham against Croatia?

Saka v Madueke

The battle on the right looks to be between Arsenal team-mates Bukayo Saka and Noni Madueke.

It is made trickier by uncertainty over Saka’s fitness.

The 24-year-old missed the March international break and seven games for Arsenal due to injury, before returning for the end of the season.

Saka has said he is happy to gamble with his fitness and is ”ready to go” for England’s opener.

But will he start against Croatia?

Stones v Konza v Guehi

It looks to be two of three from John Stones, Ezri Konsa and Marc Guehi to start at centre-back.

Stones is a favourite of Tuchel’s and was picked in the squad despite only featuring in 18 games for Manchester City last season.

He got minutes under his belt against Costa Rica and New Zealand and started alongside Konsa against Costa Rica.

Which pairing will Tuchel go with against Croatia?

The full-backs

It is expected that Reece James and Nico O’Reilly will be the full-backs against Croatia.

But despite Tino Livramento’s injury withdrawal there are other options for Tuchel.

Djed Spence could play on either side and Konsa could also feature at full-back if he is not picked in the middle.

Jarell Quansah is another potential option for Tuchel.

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