England’s squad numbers for this summer’s World Cup have been announced – but how much do the choices hint at Thomas Tuchel’s thinking when it comes to his starting XI?
Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham, whose place in Tuchel’s plans has been called into question in recent months, has been handed the coveted No 10 shirt. Is that an indication he is set to win the race to play in the central attacking role ahead of Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers, who is No 17?
Elsewhere, Manchester City’s Nico O’Reilly has been given No 3 – a decision that will reinforce the general thought he will head into the tournament as the team’s first-choice left-back.
Newcastle’s Dan Burn, who can also play at left-back, will wear No 15.
Elliott Anderson’s emergence as a key player for Tuchel appears to have been cemented by the Nottingham Forest midfielder being handed No 8.
Brentford’s Jordan Henderson, who has previously worn that shirt, will wear 14, which he took during his successful spell at Liverpool.
Manchester City’s John Stones and Marc Guehi have been given No 5 and No 6 respectively, which may indicate their positions as England’s first-choice central-defensive pairing.
Up front, Marcus Rashford will end a season spent at Barcelona by wearing the No 11 shirt, which may suggest he is ahead of Barca newcomer Anthony Gordon, who has No 18, in the race to play on the left.
Those looking to glean any hints should bear in mind there is one glaring anomaly – Reece James is almost certain to start the tournament as first-choice right-back wearing 24, just as he does at Chelsea.
