It feels like we’ve had to wait a while to get going, but England’s World Cup opener is almost upon us, with the clash against Croatia to get underway on Wednesday evening. With plenty of discussion and chatter around the team as always heading into the tournament, the time for debate over his squad selection is over, the warm-up games don’t count for anything anymore, and it’s full focus on starting the tournament positively. With all that said, we’re looking at our predicted XI for the opening game to start the tournament, factoring in some form, minutes and cohesion within the squad. While it’s likely to be a completely different squad to finish each game, we believe this is England’s most sensible selection to kick-start their route to hopeful success.

Let us know your predicted XI for England’s opener on Wednesday evening over on our social channels, and don’t forget to check back with us throughout the tournament for plenty more England and World Cup action.

Defence

We’re going to just chuck the goalkeeper choice in here with the defence, as there’s little/no question over Jordan Pickford‘s starting spot for England throughout the tournament. While Henderson and Trafford make viable backup options, Pickford has consistently put in great showings for England at tournaments and will continue potentially in his last major tournament as the no.1 selection.

Moving into the defence, I believe a back 4 is expected for the starting line-up, with a potential to change if the game requires, but unlikely during the group stages. On the left of the back 4, I’m opting for Nico O’Reilly as the starting left-back. I believe that both O’Reilly and Spence offer athleticism and energy which England will need in the difficult conditions of the tournament, but O’Reilly has an ability to push forward, support the wingers who may need to cut inside to find space, he could drop into the midfield to sure things up if England are overwhelmed, and is good enough in his defensive work against the threat Croatia may show. I imagine Spence will come into the team during the game, possibly in place of O’Reilly or maybe even seeing him push into another role later in the game.

On the right side, I’m sure most would agree Reece James is a nailed on starter if kept fit, and thankfully for England he looks to be ready to go ahead of the tournament, which could see his leadership, set-piece ability, defensive work and ability to start attacks becoming a key feature for England in the competition.

For the centre-backs, I quite like the idea of Marc Guehi & John Stones starting the game, as I think Guehi is England’s best option at centre-back, while Stones has the experience to support the rest of the back-line. Given the links with his club, the back 4 would feel cohesive and comfortable as England hopefully have more of the ball throughout. I expect Stones will not play more than 60 minutes, at which point Konsa will be brought in to see out the game.

Midfield

For my midfield 3, I think 2 of the 3 are nailed on starters with Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson combining nicely to supplement one another, as Anderson has solved the problem that England have had in recent years over who to pair with Rice. These two will play the majority of minutes for England in key games, and Mainoo is a great option for additional energy, especially if England are in control and need a midfield creative spark.

In the no.10 role, this is one that other nations would be surprised about the debate in England over who to select, with Jude Bellingham, Morgan Rogers and Eberechi Eze all able to put forward a strong case for starting in the attacking midfield role. I think for the opener against Croatia, the sensible option is to start with Jude Bellingham, and give him at least the first 60 minutes to prove himself on the big stage. He’s a big game player, he thrives under this pressure and is a genuine superstar talent and while I see huge benefits in playing Rogers and Eze, I feel like this selection also limits any additional pressure being piled onto Tuchel. I expect Rogers and Eze will both feature throughout, but I also like the idea of Rogers supporting on the left of the attack, and possibly Eze being used on the right if needed at times.

Attack

Moving into the front 3, again we have a nailed on selection in arguably the most in-form striker in World football with Harry Kane, who will lead the side through the tournament. I would like Tuchel to be sensible in Kane’s minutes, and be willing to withdraw him if a game is won comfortably, but Kane has to be playing for England to have a genuine chance of success, and he will start most games.

Alongside Kane, I have opted for Anthony Gordon from the left, and Noni Madueke from the right. I think starting this game, Gordon seems full of confidence, and his ability to run on ahead of the striker brought some great moments against Costa Rica in the final warm-up game. I think Rashford will do a similar job in other games, but Gordon feels like he has a little bit of an extra spark at the minute as he seems full of confidence. With Madueke, I am surprised myself to be saying he should start the World Cup for England, but with Saka possibly still not at his full fitness just yet, I’d like him to ease into the tournament and not risk anything too early. Additionally like Gordon, I think his runs past the striker will cause a huge problem for the Croatian defence, and hopefully if the game is won with time to spare, England can then finish the game with Saka to build up his minutes.

Don’t forget to let us know your predicted XI for England’s opener on Wednesday evening over on our social channels, and don’t forget to check back with us throughout the tournament for plenty more England and World Cup action.