Bellingham set to start, but Guehi out – England's expected lineup

England manager Thomas Tuchel said during his first media briefing in the United States that he has "14 or 15" players in mind for the World Cup opener against Croatia next week.

While Tuchel naturally keeps his selection under wraps, there is a growing belief within the camp that the starting XI from Wednesday's 3-0 warm-up win over Costa Rica will be very close to the team that faces Croatia, with perhaps one or two exceptions.

Crucially, that would mean Jude Bellingham has won the race against Morgan Rogers for the coveted No.10 role. Bellingham's ability and his history of delivering special moments for England, combined with his experience at Real Madrid under pressure, give him the edge. Rogers' emergence as a strong option had cast some doubt, but sources suggest the Costa Rica lineup will be mirrored, leaving Rogers on the bench.

In defense, a surprise appears to be brewing: John Stones and Ezri Konsa are expected to start as the first-choice centre-back partnership. This would be a shock given Marc Guehi's status since his move from Crystal Palace to Manchester City, where he was picked ahead of Stones by Pep Guardiola late last season. However, Tuchel seems to prefer a more physical central defensive duo, and both Stones and Konsa are larger than Guehi. The balance issue remains as Guehi typically plays as a left-sided centre-back, while Stones and Konsa are both right-footed.

On the right wing, Noni Madueke started ahead of Bukayo Saka in the warm-up. Tuchel admitted Saka is still managing a lower leg muscle problem that limited his involvement in Arsenal's season run-in. There is concern at Arsenal about his fitness given he is not under their care, but his condition is improving daily in the US. If England were in the knockout stages, Saka might start but might not finish. Tuchel, who trusts Madueke, may ease Saka into the tournament during the group stage.