The first match for England

The England national team begins its journey in the FIFA World Cup 2026 by facing Croatia in a match that promises to be one of the most exciting of the opening day. The team led by Thomas Tuchel aims to start on the right foot in Group L, which also includes Ecuador and Ivory Coast, so earning points from the debut can be crucial for their qualification hopes.

The qualities of this team

The goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, a key player for Everton with 84 matches for the national team, will be in charge of guarding the goal in his third World Cup.

The defense is shaping up with Reece James on the right flank, a player of great power and offensive capability; Marc Guéhi and John Stones as center-backs, combining youth and experience; and Nico O’Reilly on the left flank, one of the surprises of the squad for his tactical adaptation.

In midfield, Declan Rice will provide balance and order, accompanied by Elliot Anderson, who is having a great moment at Nottingham Forest and has earned the coaching staff's trust. Further up, Jude Bellingham will be the creative reference, with the responsibility of leading the offensive play despite his youth.

On the wings, Bukayo Saka remains one of the main threats thanks to his speed and ability to create imbalance, while Anthony Gordon is set to start on the left, although Marcus Rashford is also vying for a spot. Up front, Harry Kane, captain and all-time top scorer for England with 79 goals in 114 matches, will be the key player to break through defenses and lead the team in search of an initial victory.

Possible lineup

The expected formation is a 4-2-3-1: Pickford in goal; James, Stones, Guéhi, and O’Reilly in defense; Rice and Anderson in the double pivot; Bellingham as the playmaker; Saka and Gordon on the wings; and Kane as the sole forward.

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