Jude Bellingham and Ezri Konsa are expected to return to England’s starting XI when the Three Lions face Croatia, with Thomas Tuchel preparing to field his strongest available side.
England head into the Nations League clash knowing a strong result could help secure a top-two finish in their group. Tuchel is therefore expected to make several changes after rotating his squad for Tuesday’s victory in Prague.
Bellingham was among those rested for the Czech Republic game, with the decision also helping England avoid the risk of the Real Madrid midfielder picking up another yellow card.
A further booking would have ruled Bellingham out of the Croatia fixture, a match Tuchel regards as one of England’s toughest challenges in the group, behind only the meeting with Spain in terms of difficulty.
The England manager has also acknowledged the huge physical demands placed on Bellingham during the international break.
Tuchel has said the Real Madrid star can only play one way, with complete commitment and full energy, and so didn’t feel he could start four matches in the space of 11 days for his country.
Bellingham’s return would provide England with another major attacking and midfield option as Tuchel looks to put his strongest combination on the pitch.
Konsa is also expected to come back into the defence after recovering from a minor muscle problem.
The Aston Villa defender missed some training last week and was subsequently left out of England’s game against the Czech Republic. His return would give Tuchel another experienced option at the back for a fixture carrying greater significance.
Captain Harry Kane is also expected to start despite the demanding schedule.
The Bayern Munich striker has featured heavily during the international break and is determined to play in all four of England’s matches.
Kane has another personal milestone within reach. If he plays against Croatia, he will move level with Peter Shilton on 125 England appearances, matching the former goalkeeper’s record as the nation’s most-capped player.
That milestone adds another layer to an already significant night for the England captain.
For Tuchel, however, the focus will remain firmly on the result and maintaining England’s position in the Nations League group.
With Bellingham and Konsa set to return and Kane leading the line, England are poised to restore their strongest available XI for a Croatia test that could prove crucial to their campaign.
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