England go into Croatia vs England with three points from their opening two matches in League A Group 3, and Thomas Tuchel has changed five players from the side that beat Czechia 2-0 on Tuesday. Trent Alexander-Arnold is the headline omission after starting and assisting for Anthony Gordon in midweek, while Jude Bellingham is back in his favoured number 10 role over Morgan Rogers.
Tuchel's changes
Tuchel's reshuffle also brings Jordan Pickford back in goal over James Trafford, while Jarell Quansah comes in at right-back. Myles Lewis-Skelly makes way for Alex Scott on his full debut for the Three Lions.
The changes tell you England are still not settling on a fixed XI. Bellingham's return is the most eye-catching call, because the number 10 role gives him the clearest route into the game rather than asking him to fit around someone else. England already have the points buffer from Tuesday, but Tuchel has still chosen to rotate heavily.
Milestones in the match
Harry Kane was preparing to win his 124th cap for England, putting him one short of equalling Peter Shilton's all-time record of 125. Luka Modrić was also set for his 205th senior international appearance.
Kane's milestone sits alongside the selection story rather than replacing it. England have made the changes, Croatia arrive with Modrić on another landmark, and the focus now moves to how Tuchel's new look side handles the match on 3 October.
Written by Jack Mercer with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 1 outlet. How we work →
