Only one Aston Villa man is likely to be handed a spot in the starting XI for England World Cup opener against Croatia.
England campaign in 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to begin on June 17th. They face off Croatia, the most intriguing team for the Three Lions. They have stumbled England in decisive games. It is also their toughest opposition in their group. Harry Kane and Co are seeded with Panama and Ghana as well.
Based on the BBC report, England boss is believed to have displayed a glimpse of their starting line-up for the opener.
“Well, there is certainly a sense within the camp that the team that started in Orlando, barring maybe one or two exceptions, will be the side that begins the tournament.”
The Three Lions just won their last warm-up game 3-0 versus Costa Rica in Inter&Co Stadium, Orlando. Declan Rice, Anthony Gordon and Ollie Watkins were on the scoresheet. The starting XI in that game could hint their set up at the opener.
The most anticipated inquiry would be whether Morgan Rogers get a nod over Jude Bellingham. He was the regular choice in the qualifiers while his counterpart from Madrid was mainly injured.
Rogers has had a stellar season too with The West Midlands side as he helped them win Europa League while Bellingham and Los Blancos were trophyless again last season. Naturally, the former Middlesbrough man is expected to start in the game, as he did in the first warm-up match against New Zealand.
Yet, in the second friendly match versus Costa Rica, it was Bellingham in the starting XI. It is understandable as the former Dortmund man is selected ahead of Rogers since it is the opener against Croatia.
Nevertheless, World Cup is different stage than Premier League or Europa League. It is the match in which the whole world will be watching. The pressure is higher as well as the stake. One mistake can punish you and Bellingham has lived through it in Santiago Bernabeu.
He is a proven winner and experienced in major tournament before. The 22-year-old was already part of England squad in Qatar 2022 and EURO 2024. On the contrary, this is the first international competition for the Aston Villa man.
Supposedly, Rogers would understand Thomas Tuchel’s decision as he acknowledges and respects his ‘rival’s ability although he might be hoping to play with him together. However, he still has his chance to prove his worth when he comes off the bench. Perhaps, Tuchel would consider playing them together in the knockout stage.
So, which Aston Villa player will start? It is most likely Ezri Konsa who will be handed a starting spot in the line-up instead of Ollie Watkins. They are the only two remaining Villa men in the final squad.
Konsa who also started in the final friendly game in Orlando earlier with John Stones at the heart of the defence. He might be taking over Stones’ partner in Manchester City who was also the regular starter in EURO 2024, Marc Guehi.
Based on the BBC’s report, the German-born manager seems to have his own reason, based on the set up he chose versus Costa Rica.
“there is an emerging feeling that Tuchel prefers more physicality in his central defensive pairing – with Stones and Konsa bigger than Guehi.”
It will be interesting if this all come to materialised. One thing for sure, all Villa men could steal the spotlight in North America as it is long tournament. Konsa, Rogers or Watkins would definitely have the chance to shine and contribute well for the Three Lions, perhaps during the time of crisis, just like David Platt in Italy 1990.
Up with the Villa!! Come on, England!!
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