Tuchel's England 26: Our Squad, XI & Scoreline Vs Croatia

Tuchel said he wanted "more clarity" before naming his 26. The deadline is May 30. We're not waiting. England open against Croatia on June 17 at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, and we've already picked the squad, the XI, and the scoreline. Ours is better than his will be.

Here's how we see it.

The Locks: Players Who Are Simply Going

Harry Kane leads the line. He's England's all-time top scorer. That conversation is finished. Jude Bellingham starts in the ten — we'll get to that. Jordan Pickford in goal, despite what your uncle says. Saka and Trippier. Declan Rice, the spine of everything. Phil Foden makes the plane, but not the XI.

Cole Palmer, Alexander-Arnold's absence creates an opening at right-back — Reece James if fit, Kyle Walker gone for good — and Alexander-Arnold is actually not in the March squad, so someone needs that shirt. Our bet is James, conditional on his knee. Bukayo Saka is non-negotiable. Conor Gallagher makes the squad on work-rate alone.

Eleven names you can print in ink: Pickford, James, Guehi, Mainoo, Rice, Bellingham, Saka, Kane, Trippier, Stones, Palmer.

The Bubble: Verdicts On The Awkward Ones

Morgan Rogers. Tuchel has watched him. Rogers at Aston Villa has been excellent — progressive, direct, comfortable with the ball in tight spaces. He doesn't play like a traditional 10. He might play like the best English 10 going into this tournament. We include him in the 26 as cover.

Phil Foden. Foden is on the plane. Tuchel publicly questioned his impact — "lack of application," the subtext being that Foden hasn't convinced him in a tournament system. We agree Foden does not start against Croatia. But he stays in the squad because on his day he can unlock anything. Insurance.

Harry Maguire. Tuchel called him "fifth-choice" centre-back. That's not us — that's Tuchel on record. We leave him out. We take Jarrad Branthwaite instead. This 26 is better without him. Simple.

John Stones. Fit and starting. His ability to carry out