Image credit: Getty Images. 16 minutes ago. As Thomas Tuchel’s team counts down to their opening match against Croatia on 17 June (21:00 BST), BBC Sport pundits have selected their preferred starting XI for England’s first World Cup fixture in Dallas. Would you go with Manchester City’s defensive pairing of Marc Guehi and John Stones, or pair one of them with Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa? Jude Bellingham has been assigned the number 10 jersey for the World Cup, but it’s unclear whether he’ll start in England’s first match. You can also make your choice and share it with your friends.. Micah Richards – Former England defender. Jordan Pickford is an easy choice for goalkeeper. If Reece James is fully fit, I’d start him. I’d also pick John Stones over Ezri Konsa, despite Konsa having been very dependable. I firmly believe that, on the ball in international football, Stones can control the game, and if we need to retain possession, he’s certainly one of the players who can do that. Guehi starting is self-explanatory.