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English media outlets are reporting that Thomas Tuchel has already finalized his starting XI for the Three Lions' World Cup opener. England's first match is scheduled for Wednesday at Dallas Stadium against Croatia.
According to both the "Daily Mail" and "The Sun," the German coach has opted to start Barcelona's new signing, Anthony Gordon, on the left wing. Gordon will be preferred over Marcus Rashford, who also played for the Catalan giants last season. Noni Madueke is set to operate on the opposite flank, as his Arsenal teammate Bukayo Saka is not yet in optimal physical condition. Harry Kane, of course, will lead the attack.
In midfield, the main question revolved around whether Jude Bellingham would start or if Tuchel would favor Morgan Rogers. Latest reports indicate that the Real Madrid star will indeed be in the starting lineup for the first game. Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson will play just behind him.
The central defensive pairing will feature Ezri Konsa and the experienced John Stones. The Aston Villa defender has been chosen over Marc Guéhi due to his superior physicality and aerial presence.
Reece James and Nico O'Reilly are expected to start as full-backs, while Jordan Pickford will, as usual, guard the goal.
England's Probable Lineup vs. Croatia: Pickford, James, Stones, Konsa, O'Reilly, Rice, Anderson, Bellingham, Madueke, Gordon, Kane
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