Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

England vs Croatia: Tuchel benches Saka in World Cup opener

6/18/2026

42 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

England opened its 2026 World Cup against Croatia on June 17, 2026, with coach Thomas Tuchel benching Bukayo Saka.
Tuchel started Noni Maduke on the right wing and Jude Bellingham at No. 10 after beating Morgan Rogers for midfield.
Anthony Gordon started on the left wing ahead of Marcus Rashford, with Harry Kane captaining as No. 9.
John Stones and Ezri Konsa started in central defence while Jordan Pickford kept his goalkeeping spot.

History

Historical Context

The 1998 FIFA World Cup, hosted by France from 10 June to 12 July, expanded to 32 teams and required each nation to name a 22-player squad by 1 June. England, returning after missing the 1994 tournament, submitted its list and saw 75 of the tournament’s players contracted to English clubs. This enlarged format and England’s re-entry shaped future squad-selection debates.

1 of 2

Story summary

England opened its 2026 World Cup against Croatia on June 17, 2026, with coach Thomas Tuchel benching Bukayo Saka.
Tuchel started Noni Maduke on the right wing and Jude Bellingham at No. 10 after beating Morgan Rogers for midfield.
Anthony Gordon started on the left wing ahead of Marcus Rashford, with Harry Kane captaining as No. 9.
John Stones and Ezri Konsa started in central defence while Jordan Pickford kept his goalkeeping spot.

1 / 2