ENGLAND’S starting lineup for tonight’s game against Croatia appears to have been leaked with Thomas Tuchel set to pick exactly the same team as the one that started against Costa Rica.
It sees star on the bench and Manchester City defender Marc Guehi, who was seen as a certain starter, also benched.
Thomas Tuchel’s England lineup has been leaked for tonight’s opener against Croatia Credit: Getty
It’s understood to be exactly the same as the one against Costa Rica Credit: Getty
The main talking point of the leaked line-up comes in the defence, with City star Guehi set to start ‘s toughest group game on the bench.
It’s a big call from Tuchel, who seems to be trusting a back four of , , and .
Jordan Pickford inevitably retains his place between the sticks, as he gears up for his fourth straight major tournament as No1.
Vice-captain and Man City-linked are set to be the pair in midfield as expected.
And the or debate will finally be settled, with the Real Madrid star set to start in the central attacking midfield role.
Barcelona man gets the nod on the left, while Saka’s Arsenal understudy is set to start on the right according to multiple reports.
Finally, the No9 was never in doubt, England’s talisman and captain will lead the Three Lions from the front in their tournament opener.
The snubbed Guehi will be hopeful of a return to the England team later in the tournament, as he played the first 45 against New Zealand 11 days ago.
While Saka, who is undoubtedly England’s first choice on the right, is expected to return to the starting XI in future matches, after nursing an Achilles injury since March.
The Three Lions, who thumped Costa Rica 3-0 in a friendly last time out, will be looking to take the performance into tonight’s Croatia test.
Rice opened the scoring after a mere nine minutes, before second half goals via Gordon from the spot and Ollie Watkins sealed a convincing England win.
Following a calf injury, Newcastle man Tino Livramento was replaced by Chelsea defender yesterday, sparking debate from fans and pundits.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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