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Anthony Gordon is in line to get the nod ahead of Marcus Rashford for England’s World Cup opener against Croatia, while Bukayo Saka is struggling to prove his fitness.
Tuchel sees the value of both of his left wingers over 90 minutes, with Gordon offering positional discipline and intensity from the off. The Barcelona wideman gives his team the chance to get a foothold in a game.
Rashford, meanwhile, has the quality for moments of individual brilliance that Tuchel wants from those who finish matches.
Were Gordon to start on the left in Dallas on Wednesday, the head coach will stress that it is not a case of one being preferred to the other. Rather, he wants his players to view selection over the course of an entire game, especially as teams can make five substitutions.
Anthony Gordon is in line to get the nod on the left for England’s World Cup opener against Croatia, while Bukayo Saka is struggling to prove his fitness
Rashford is expected to be utilised from the bench and has the quality for moments of individual brilliance that Tuchel wants from those who finish matches
Were Gordon to start on the left over Rashford in Dallas on Wednesday, Tuchel will stress that it is not a case of one being preferred to the other
That is slightly different in defence, where Ezri Konsa looks set to partner John Stones at centre back. Marc Guehi had appeared favourite coming into the tournament to start in the middle of the backline, but Tuchel is thought to favour the physicality and height of Konsa, complemented by the ball-playing ability of Stones.
Meanwhile, Saka remains a concern. We understand he did feature in some of last week’s 6-0 win over Miami FC in a behind-closed-doors practice game, but not the majority of it.
The Arsenal winger is still feeling the effects of a lingering Achilles complaint and has not looked at his sharpest so far in North America. It is likely that Tuchel will use him for now as an impact substitute, with club-mate Noni Madueke starting on the right.
The other big call left for Tuchel is who to pick at No.10, with Jude Bellingham impressing when taking the starting jersey during last week’s 3-0 win over Costa Rica in Orlando. Sources noted how Bellingham was first off the plane behind captain Harry Kane when England arrived in Kansas City on Saturday, and there is a feeling around camp that he has moved ahead of Morgan Rogers in the attacking-midfield position.
Which England star has 7 GCSEs? Who has lost half of his finger? Test your knowledge of Thomas Tuchel’s squad with our exclusive quiz HERE.
