Eyebrows were raised by the omission of Harry Maguire and inclusion of Ivan Toney and Djed Spence, but the clock is now ticking on the Three Lions’ opening game against Croatia.

Here, DAZN News reporter Ross Heppenstall assesses Tuchel’s options and picks his starting line-up to face the Croats in Dallas on June 17. 

Goalkeeper

James Trafford and Dean Henderson are highly capable deputies, but there is no doubt that Jordan Pickford will continue as England’s No 1 this summer.

The Everton goalkeeper is long established as the Three Lions’ first-choice stopper, having amassed 82 caps during a highly distinguished international career.

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Right-back

Chelsea’s Reece James is a natural in this position and regarded as the best option.

He has struggled with injury at times, but his quality has never been up for debate and it would be a major surprise if James does not start against Croatia.

Djed Spence is a decent back-up option and Newcastle's Tino Livramento can play full-back on both sides of the field.

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Centre-back

The inclusion of Jarell Quansah, John Stones, Marc Guehi, Dan Burn and Ezri Konsa gives Tuchel five centre-back options.

Guehi seems a certainty to start and, with no Maguire, the place alongside the Manchester City man looks up for grabs.

Konsa has enjoyed a fine campaign at Aston Villa, helping them to Europa League glory, so he could get the nod ahead of Stones.

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Left-back

It is hard to look past Nico O’Reilly here. The Manchester City academy product is a huge talent and has proved it all season.

He’s been that good that Pep Guardiola has used him in midfield and even the No 10 role – but Tuchel looks set to deploy him at full-back with Dan Burn and Tino Livramento back-up options.

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Central midfield

There is huge competition in this area of the pitch, but Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson are the favourites to start as England’s two holding midfielders in a 4-2-3-1 formation.

Rice has been outstanding in Arsenal’s title-winning campaign and Anderson has been superb for Nottingham Forest, with Tuchel clearly a big fan of the former Newcastle prospect.

Kobbie Mainoo offers another option and Jordan Henderson is a wise old head, but surely it’s Rice and Anderson to start in the middle of the park.

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Wide right

Nonu Madueke has impressed during his debut season at Arsenal, but he will not shift Bukayo Saka from England’s right-wing spot.

Saka has been established there for some time and has the ability to unlock the best defences when cutting in on his left foot.

He is one of the first names on Tuchel’s teamsheet.

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Wide left

This seems a straight fight between Marcus Rashford and Anthony Gordon.

Rashford has showed signs of his old self during a season-long loan at Barcelona, helping the Catalan giants to the La Liga title.

He gets the nod over Gordon, for the first game at least, but the Newcastle man could push him close.

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No 10

Another hugely competitive position and the clamour for Morgan Rogers to start has grown this week after his sparkling display for Aston Villa in their Europa League final win over Freiburg.

Rogers scored a goal, as he did in last Friday’s win over Liverpool, to suggest he is back to his best.

But how can you leave out a world-class talent like Jude Bellingham? You can’t and he has to start, with Rogers an outstanding option off the bench with Eberechi Eze also in the mix..

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Centre forward

This one is not even up for debate. Harry Kane’s England’s captain, talisman and all-time leading goalscorer, will start.

The real intrigue lies in who emerges as his first-choice deputy between Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney, who is a shock inclusion.

Michael Regan - The FA/The FA via Getty Images

Starting XI (4-2-3-1): Pickford; James, Konza, Guehi, O’Reilly; Anderson, Rice; Saka, Bellingham, Rashford; Kane

 

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