World Cup
Rogers expected to start over Bellingham in England’s first World Cup match
Aston Villa midfielder Morgan Rogers is 2/7 with William Hill to start England’s opening World Cup 2026 group game against Croatia, with Jude Bellingham the slightly bigger price at 4/7 to be named in the XI.
Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson are both quoted at short odds to line up in midfield alongside them
With England’s 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup confirmed, attention has turned to how the Three Lions will set up for their first match. In William Hill’s market, Rice is 1/100 to be included from the off and Anderson is 1/20, suggesting both are strongly expected to start in the middle of the park. Rogers is 2/7 to join them, ahead of Bellingham at 4/7.
There are also live selection battles in wide and full-back areas. On the left wing, Marcus Rashford is 1/2 to start against Croatia, with Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon at evens. At right-back, Reece James is 1/3 to retain his spot, with Tino Livramento quoted at 2/1 as his main challenger.
Elsewhere, the rest of the XI looks settled barring injuries. Jordan Pickford is 1/100 to keep his place in goal, while Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka are both 1/100 to start in attack. At centre-back, Marc Guehi is 1/100 and Ezri Konsa 1/66, with Nico O’Reilly 1/33 to complete the expected line-up.
William Hill spokesperson, Lee Phelps, said: “Following confirmation of England’s 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup, the betting suggests Morgan Rogers is edging ahead of Jude Bellingham for a place in the Three Lions’ starting XI against Croatia. Rogers is priced at 2/7 to start the opening group game, with Bellingham a slightly bigger price at 4/7.
“There are also still a couple of selection battles attracting attention elsewhere in the side. Marcus Rashford is the current favourite to get the nod on the left ahead of Anthony Gordon, while Reece James is expected to hold off competition from Tino Livramento at right back.
“Outside of those positions, the England line-up looks relatively set providing there are no late injury concerns. Jordan Pickford is expected to keep his place in goal, Harry Kane, Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson and Bukayo Saka all look to have locked their positions down, while Marc Guehi and Ezri Konsa appear to have established themselves as the preferred centre-back pairing.”
Bet on England’s Starting XI for Their World Cup 2026 Opener
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Jordan Pickford – 1/100
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Marc Guehi – 1/100
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Declan Rice – 1/100
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Harry Kane – 1/100
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Bukayo Saka – 1/100
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Ezri Konsa – 1/66
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Nico O’Reilly – 1/33
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Elliot Anderson – 1/20
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Morgan Rogers – 2/7
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Reece James – 1/3
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Marcus Rashford – 1/2
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Jude Bellingham – 4/7
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Anthony Gordon – EVS
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Tino Livramento – 2/1
Odds subject to change – prices accurate at the time of writing.
