Noni Madueke Gets England World Cup Start Over Saka — Here's Why

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June 18, 2026


Noni Madueke England: Thomas Tuchel has confirmed his starting lineup for England's Group L clash against Croatia at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

   
Noni Madueke England winger training ahead of the World Cup opening match against Croatia.

Noni Madueke, Jude Bellingham, and Anthony Gordon will form the attacking trio behind captain Harry Kane.


Bellingham earned his place despite speculation that Morgan Rogers could start in the No. 10 role. 


Gordon gets the nod on the left ahead of Marcus Rashford. The most significant decision involves Bukayo Saka. 


The Arsenal winger has been closely monitored due to an Achilles problem, and Tuchel has opted to rest him, selecting club teammate Madueke in his place.  


The defensive selection carries a mild surprise, with Ezri Konsa and John Stones chosen ahead of Marc Guéhi. 


However, Tuchel offered an early indication of that decision by starting the same pairing in England's final warmup victory over Costa Rica.  


The lineup is otherwise unchanged from that match in Orlando, where Bellingham delivered a strong performance. 


Kane captains the side and draws level with David Beckham for third place on England's all-time appearances list, earning his 115th cap. 

The striker also sits just two goals behind Gary Lineker's record of 10 World Cup goals. 


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