Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford have been excluded from England’s starting XI for the debut in the 2026 World Cup against Croatia. England opens its 2026 World Cup campaign on Wednesday, June 17, against Croatia in a Group L matchup at AT&T Stadium. When the lineups were released, the omissions of Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford from the starting XI surprised many fans.
Saka is missing the start against Croatia as he continues to recover from a recent injury. The Arsenal winger suffered an Achilles tendon injury two months ago, and manager Thomas Tuchel chose to bench him to protect his long-term fitness.
Rashford’s absence from the starting lineup is a tactical decision by Tuchel. The German manager opted to start Anthony Gordon on the left wing and Harry Kane at striker, leaving the Manchester United forward on the bench.
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