World Cup
Rogers expected to start over Bellingham in England’s first World Cup match
Aston Villa midfielder 2/7 to be in starting XI with Jude Bellingham out at 4/7
With England’s 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup released, William Hill expect Morgan Rogers to start ahead of Jude Bellingham in the Three Lions’ first group game against Croatia.
With Declan Rice (1/100) and Elliot Anderson (1/20) both looking near certain to line up in midfield, Villa man Rogers is 2/7 to start on 17 June, a shorter price than the 4/7 on Jude Bellingham being selected from the off.
The left-wing spot is also still a position of contention, with the market preferring Marcus Rashford to start at 1/2 ahead of Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon (EVS). Reece James may also face competition for his right-back position; however, he is well fancied at 1/3 over Tino Livramento at 2/1.
The remainder of the line-up looks fairly settled, barring injuries, with goalkeeper Jordan Pickford expected to retain his place between the sticks at 1/100. Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka are both 1/100 to start, while Marc Guehi (1/100) and Ezri Konsa (1/66) appear to have a stranglehold on the centre-back positions. Nico O’Reilly is 1/33 to complete the line-up.
Spokesperson for William Hill, 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
Jordan Pickford
1/100
Marc Guehi
1/100
Declan Rice
1/100
Harry Kane
1/100
Bukayo Saka
1/100
Ezri Konsa
1/66
Nico O’Reilly
1/33
Elliot Anderson
1/20
Morgan Rogers
2/7
Reece James
1/3
Marcus Rashford
1/2
Jude Bellingham
4/7
Anthony Gordon
EVS
Tino Livramento
2/1
