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The countdown to England’s campaign in the 2026 World Cup has begun, and head coach Thomas Tuchel faces a mounting challenge in finalising his best starting eleven for the Three Lions.

Tuchel’s task is far from simple, as he must make tough decisions about which players will start and who will be placed on the bench during the early matches of the tournament.

One of the most intriguing dilemmas for Tuchel lies in the left-wing position, where England possess several strong candidates.

Based on current form and data, two names stand out as the primary contenders for that role — Marcus Rashford and Anthony Gordon.

From an international experience perspective, Rashford clearly holds the advantage. Having represented England since he was around 20 years old, he has participated in multiple major tournaments wearing the Three Lions jersey — from the European Championship to several World Cup editions and the UEFA Nations League.

In contrast, Anthony Gordon is still building his reputation as an elite player. His recent rise has been remarkable, even attracting serious attention from Barcelona, who decided to pay a hefty sum for his signature.

Barcelona secured Gordon’s services for €80 million, ensuring he will feature at Camp Nou next season. His rapid emergence this year could pose a genuine threat to Rashford’s position, both at club and international levels.

Tuchel now faces a situation similar to that of Barcelona. The Catalan club have already brought in Gordon to strengthen their left flank but have not completely ruled out the idea of pursuing Marcus Rashford again. They remain hesitant, however, due to concerns over Rashford’s high transfer fee.

For Tuchel, the decision must come sooner rather than later — whether to rely on Gordon or Rashford to best fit his tactical scheme. Should he prefer a side less focused on collective defensive play, Rashford may be the better option. The Manchester United forward offers a more convincing attacking presence compared to Gordon.

Gordon, on the other hand, excels in his defensive contributions, showing the work ethic expected from younger, modern wingers. In today’s game, a winger is required not only to attack effectively but also to initiate defensive pressing high up the pitch.

Tuchel still has some time to decide who will start for England — Marcus Rashford or Anthony Gordon — when the World Cup kicks off.

Support for England

Actor and presenter Ibnu Jamil has once again pledged his support to the England national team for the 2026 World Cup. As in previous editions, he remains loyal to the Three Lions while waiting for Indonesia to eventually compete in football’s biggest tournament.

“This World Cup? Every edition, I always support England as long as Indonesia hasn’t qualified,” said Ibnu Jamil in the Kuningan area of South Jakarta on Wednesday (3 June 2026).

“As long as Indonesia hasn’t played, I’ll stick with England,” he added with a laugh.

He also praised Tuchel’s bold approach in giving opportunities to players who may not have the same star power as previous generations. “I suspect he has a mission behind this. Sometimes, players who crave recognition and have less experience show greater hunger and determination than established stars who already have plenty of exposure,” Ibnu Jamil explained.

(Guruh/Bayu Indra Permana)