England’s World Cup starting XI against Tunisia revealed… but there is NO Marcus Rashford
SunSport can exclusively revealed the starting XI for World Cup opener, with Rashford left on bench despite starring against Costa Rica
MARCUS RASHFORD will NOT start England’s World Cup opener despite his wonder goal against Costa Rica on Thursday.
And Jordan Henderson has beaten Eric Dier to play in England’s anchor role against Tunisia a week on Monday.
Danny Rose is likely to start at wing-back ahead of Ashley Young.
Manchester United forward Rashford was man of the match in England’s 2-0 victory over Costa Rica in their final warm-up match at Elland Road.
But SunSport can reveal the team Gareth Southgate is planning to field — with Raheem Sterling in the No 10 role behind captain Harry Kane.
Henderson, who is effectively vice-captain, was always ahead of Tottenham man Dier after Southgate decided to play with just one holding player in front of his back three.
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Rose is the one player who seems to have forced his way into the starting line-up during the last two warm-up games.
Boss Southgate described Rose’s midweek performance as his best display since the Spurs star suffered a serious knee injury 16 months ago.
NO FEAR Harry Redknapp backs England to win World Cup if they play without fear
Rose’s relative lack of game time had put him behind Young in the pecking order.
But now he is returning to form and fitness, Southgate believes Rose’s qualities best suit his demand for buccaneering wing-backs who can provide the team’s width.
Road to Russia
QUALIFYING RESULTS
04/09/16 Slovakia A 1-0
08/10/16 Malta H 2-0
11/10/16 Slovenia A 0-0
11/11/16 Scotland H 3-0
26/03/17 Lithuania H 2-0
10/06/17 Scotland A 2-2
01/09/17 Malta A 4-0
04/09/17 Slovakia H 2-1
05/10/17 Slovenia H 1-0
08/10/17 Lithuania A 1-0
TOP SCORERS
5 Harry Kane
2 Adam Lallana
2 Daniel Sturridge
MOST APPEARANCES
9 Joe Hart
9 Kyle Walker
8 Gary Cahill
Harry Maguire cemented his place in Southgate’s back three with his assured showing against Costa Rica and is set to edge out the more experienced Gary Cahill and Phil Jones.
The Three Lions chief sees Rashford and Ruben Loftus-Cheek, as game-changers off the bench.
And he is heartened by the way his demands to concede fewer free-kicks in their own half has been heeded.
In six friendlies, England have let in only one goal from open play.
