Eight England Certainties for Tuchel's World Cup Squad – and Rashford Isn't One of Them

As England prepare for their World Cup opener against Croatia, the familiar ritual of armchair selection has begun in earnest. Theo Walcott has staked his claim that Marcus Rashford deserves to be a lock for the starting lineup following his Barcelona loan spell, but the evidence suggests otherwise.

Walcott was effusive in his praise on The Wayne Rooney Show, describing Rashford as a "dead cert to start" after witnessing his impressive form abroad. "The way he's played, that freedom, that enjoyment. We want to see that smile," Walcott explained, adding that the Manchester United player would be "a major part of this tournament" and praising his bravery in moving overseas.

Yet Rashford's credentials for guaranteed selection remain far less solid than Walcott suggests. The left-wing berth remains genuinely contested between the Barcelona loanee and Anthony Gordon, with neither having made the position unquestionably their own through England appearances. While Rashford may have enjoyed superior form at club level this season, his international performances have consistently failed to deliver the same standard.

Thomas Tuchel will get a clearer sense of his preferred XI when England face Costa Rica in Wednesday's final friendly, but only eight positions appear genuinely settled.

The Certainties

Jordan Pickford remains England's goalkeeper beyond question, with his position entirely secure. Marc Guehi will anchor the defence following his influential spell at Manchester City since January, while Reece James slots in at right-back as England's premier full-back option. Nico O'Reilly, the Premier League Young Player of the Year, completes the defensive line, a selection seemingly locked in by Tuchel's squad choices.

The midfield pairing of Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson has been evident for months and appears non-negotiable, while Bukayo Saka will operate on the right wing in support of Harry Kane, who remains the obvious focal point of the attack.

The Genuine Debates

Centre-back partnership selection presents a real puzzle. John Stones and Ezri Konsa are battling for the role alongside Guehi. Konsa has delivered consistent performances this season and established excellent understanding with Guehi at international level. However, Stones' pedigree as a top-tier defender when fit gives him the edge despite limited Premier League minutes—only 439 this campaign.

The number ten position offers another genuine toss-up between Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers. Bellingham carries the advantage of receiving preferential treatment from Tuchel since the manager's arrival, but Rogers represents a credible alternative.

The left wing remains the most contentious area. Neither Rashford nor Gordon has sufficiently staked their claim through international football. Gordon's tireless running and ability to exploit space in behind Kane could suit Tuchel's system better, despite Rashford's superior club form. This position genuinely could go either way.

The Likely Starting XI

If forced to predict: Pickford; James, Stones, Guehi, O'Reilly; Rice, Anderson; Saka, Rogers, Gordon; Kane.

Walcott's conviction about Rashford, while understandable given the Barcelona renaissance, doesn't account for the reality that England's shirt demands consistency at the highest level. Tuchel's squad selections suggest he's already made his thinking clear on several positions, but expect the debate to rage until kick-off.