England projected starting lineup vs. Spain: Where will Bellingham play?
England projected starting lineup vs. Spain: Where will Bellingham play?
Jon Arnold, USA TODAYSat, September 26, 2026 at 9:08 AM UTC
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England manager Thomas Tuchel is focused on what's to come, but he doesn't have an easy task.
England returns to international play after the 2026 World Cup against a team that won the entire tournament: Spain.
With this UEFA Nations League contest, plus matches against Czechia and a contest with Croatia in the same competition coming in this international window, Tuchel tried to bring in a squad that mixed the experience of the World Cup with those who will make up part of England's bright future.
But Tuchel's initial call-up was cut considerably when players withdrew from the squad because of injury concerns. Marcus Rashford, Kobbie Mainoo, both of Manchester United, Chelsea’s Cole Palmer, Arsenal’s Declan Rice and Newcastle United's Tino Livramento were on the initial list but will not feature.
That has created plenty of questions about what the German coach will do with his first post-World Cup starting 11.
Particularly, the battle for right back minutes between Jarell Quansah and Trent Alexander Arnold will be one that is hard-fought. Rice's absence also leaves a question about what to do in midfield, either utilizing Real Madrid's multitalented Jude Bellingham next to Elliot Anderson or pushing him forward as the playmaker and giving another midfielder a chance in a more defensive role.
Here's what Tuchel may do against the world champs:
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England projected starting lineup vs. Spain
Goalkeeper: Jordan Pickford
Defenders: Jarell Quansah, Ezri Konsa, Marc Guéhi, Nico O'Reilly
Midfielders: Elliot Anderson, Jude Bellingham
Wingers and playmaker: Bukayo Saka, Morgan Rogers, Anthony Gordon
Forward: Harry Kane
How to watch England vs. Spain -
When: Saturday, Sept. 26
Where: Wembley Stadium (London)
Time: 2:45 p.m. ET
TV channel: Fox Sports 2
Streaming:Fox One, Fubo and ViX (Watch on Prime Video)
Stream UEFA Nations League matches on Fubo
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: England projected starting lineup vs. Spain: Where will Bellingham play?
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Source: “AOL Sports”
