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England XI vs Croatia: Confirmed team news and predicted lineup
- On Wednesday, England manager Thomas Tuchel leads the Three Lions into the 2026 World Cup Group L opener against Croatia at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas, aiming to put "a second star on the shirt."
- Following a perfect qualification campaign with no goals conceded, all 26 players participated in training at Swope Soccer Village in Kansas City on Sunday, ensuring fitness is not an issue.
- Tuchel said last week he has "14 or 15 starters," leaving positions closely contested; competition remains for the No10 spot between Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers, while Marc Guehi, John Stones, and Ezri Konsa battle for two centre-back roles.
- The predicted 4-2-3-1 lineup highlights wing competition for Gordon, who recorded 17 goals in 43 games for Newcastle, while Tuchel values "finishers" off the bench to impact the opener.
- Madueke, excellent during the 5-0 thrashing of Serbia, may challenge Saka for a starting winger role if he impresses, with Tuchel deciding whether to deploy him later in the tournament.
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16 Articles
16 Articles
The IndependentReposted by 
The Independent (US)
The Independent (US)How will England line up against Croatia in their 2026 World Cup opener?
Thomas Tuchel’s side face Croatia in Dallas on Wednesday as their World Cup campaign finally begins
·London, United Kingdom
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England vs Croatia team news as four places up for grabs - what we know so far
Saka set to start, Gordon ahead of Rashford, Guehi benched, Bellingham at No10 - here's how chief football writer John Cross believes England will line-up against Croatia on Wednesday.
·London, United Kingdom
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources16
Leaning Left4Leaning Right1Center2Last UpdatedBias Distribution57% Left
Bias Distribution
- 57% of the sources lean Left
57% Left
L 57%
C 29%
14%
Factuality
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