England have announced their starting lineup for Wednesday's World Cup Group L opener against Croatia at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, kicking off at 23:00 Moscow Standard Time. Manager Thomas Tuchel selects: Pickford, James, Stones, Konsa, O'Reilly, Anderson, Rice, Bellingham, Madueke, Gordon, and Kane.
Croatia counters with: Livakovic, Sutalo, Vuskovic, Gvardiol, Stanisic, Modric, Kovacic, Perišić, Sučić, Baturina, and Musa. The XI features veteran midfielders Luka Modric and Ivan Perišić, while Bellingham's selection confirms his starting role in England's midfield. England face Ghana in Round 2 on June 23 and Panama in Round 3 on June 28.
Two teams will advance from Group L to the knockout stage. England and Croatia, both European heavyweights, field balanced XIs suggesting a competitive opening fixture. Bellingham's confirmed starting berth alongside Rice underscores England's midfield structure for the tournament opener.
Bellingham's starting status settles pre-match debate; England's midfield composition affects Group L odds and England group-winner betting lines for this opening fixture.
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