Saka set to start his 50th cap as Tuchel keeps England guessing for Croatia opener

Bukayo Saka is poised to earn his 50th England cap when Thomas Tuchel names his side to face Croatia in their World Cup Group stage opener in Dallas on Wednesday, despite an ongoing Achilles tendinitis issue that has restricted his training load.

Tuchel is keeping his squad in the dark until matchday, with winger Noni Madueke confirming on Monday that players typically learn the starting XI only a few hours before kick-off. “No we don’t yet. But you guys seem to know. You guys can tell us!” Madueke said when asked whether he knew the line-up. “We normally have a team meeting before the game, on matchday, a few hours beforehand and find out then.”

Saka told reporters he was “ready to gamble” on his fitness, and the fact that he fronted Monday’s press conference was taken as a positive signal. Because of his Achilles problem, he is unlikely to start every group game, with Madueke expected to share duties on the right wing across the tournament. The expectation, however, is that Saka gets the nod for the opener.

On the left wing, Anthony Gordon appears to have edged ahead of Marcus Rashford following his performance in the final friendly against Costa Rica. Tuchel values Gordon’s pressing and defensive discipline — qualities that could prove particularly important against a well-organised Croatia side. Rashford offers explosive pace but Gordon’s all-round work rate may give him the advantage in what is considered the toughest fixture in the group.

At No. 10, Jude Bellingham looks set to start ahead of Morgan Rogers. Bellingham’s performances in training, combined with his record on the big occasion, appear to have settled the debate in his favour.

Centre-back is the fourth position still to be resolved, with Marc Guehi understood to be in contention for a place on the bench rather than a starting berth. Tuchel has four genuine selection calls to make — left wing, right wing, centre-half, and the No. 10 role — and is not expected to confirm his choices until the morning of the match.