England projected starting lineup vs. Spain: Where will Bellingham play?

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.

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Spain star Lamine Yamal celebrates World Cup win with brother Keyne

Spain’s forward #19 Lamine Yamal celebrates with his brother Keyne after winning the 2026 World Cup football tournament final match between Spain and Argentina at the New York/New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford on July 19, 2026. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP via Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 776447944 ORIG FILE ID: 2286230079

(FRANCK FIFE, AFP via Getty Images)

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – JULY 19: Lamine Yamal #19 of Spain celebrates with his little brother Keyne after the team’s victory following the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final match between Spain and Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 776447944 ORIG FILE ID: 2286813714

(Justin Setterfield, Getty Images)

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – JULY 19: Keyne, the little brother of Lamine Yamal #19 of Spain, celebrates after the team’s victory following the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final match between Spain and Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 776447944 ORIG FILE ID: 2286812059

(Carl Recine, Getty Images)

Spain’s forward #19 Lamine Yamal’s brother Keyne walk towards a giant replica of the trophy following the trophy ceremony after Spain won the 2026 World Cup football tournament final match between Spain and Argentina at the New York/New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford on July 19, 2026. (Photo by MAURO PIMENTEL / AFP via Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 776447944 ORIG FILE ID: 2286230422

(MAURO PIMENTEL, AFP via Getty Images)

Spain’s forward #19 Lamine Yamal’s brother Keyne gestures next to a giant replica of the trophy following the trophy ceremony after Spain won the 2026 World Cup football tournament final match between Spain and Argentina at the New York/New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford on July 19, 2026. (Photo by MAURO PIMENTEL / AFP via Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 776447944 ORIG FILE ID: 2286230359

(MAURO PIMENTEL, AFP via Getty Images)

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:

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)

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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