England’s ‘expected starting XI’ for World Cup opener vs Croatia has been revealed

The Three Lions finally begin their World Cup campaign on Wednesday...

The Three Lions begin their latest quest for a first major trophy since 1966 against the nation that ended their hopes the last time they reached a World Cup semi-final, with speculation already mounting in the English media that Thomas Tuchel could be preparing to experiment with his lineup.

BBC Sport journalist Sami Mokbel has already indicated that Thomas Tuchel has decided on his biggest decision, whether to start Morgan Rogers or Jude Bellingham in the number 10 role, and according to Mokbel it is the Real Madrid man who has been given the nod.

More to that point, the BBC's sources suggest the team that started the Three Lions' most recent friendly against Costa Rica, on Wednesday, will be close to the one chosen for the Croatia game.

This would also indicate that Anthony Gordon is ahead of Marcus Rashford in Tuchel's thinking, as the new Barcelona signing started ahead of the former Barcelona loanee versus Costa Rica.

The other important change to many fans' expected teams is at centre-back.

Rather than Man City star Marc Guehi, it appears as though John Stones will be Ezri Konsa's partner at the back.

The other thing to consider are fitness and injury concerns.

Due to a lack of match fitness for the latter, Noni Madueke started ahead of Bukayo Saka on Wednesday and reports suggest this pattern will continue.

Based on the BBC's reporting, a full 'expected starting XI' has been put together.

England's 'expected XI'

GK - Jordan Pickford

DF - Nico O'Reilly

DF - Ezri Konsa

DF - John Stones

DF - Reese James

MF - Elliot Anderson

MF - Jude Bellingham

MF - Declan Rice

FW - Anthony Gordon

ST - Harry Kane

FW - Noni Madueke