Team news: Rashford and Saka get first start at 2026 World Cup vs. Panama

England has heavily rotated its starting XI for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, handing first starts to Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka, Jarell Quansah, and Morgan Rogers while dropping Declan Rice to the bench against Panama.

England boss Thomas Tuchel has named a major tactical shake-up in the Three Lions’ final group game at the 2026 FIFA World Cup by shifting core components of their lineup.

Star forwards Marcus Rashford and Bukayo Saka have been handed their first tournament starts. Consequently, Anthony Gordon and Noni Madueke have been dropped to the substitute bench despite featuring heavily in previous matches.

Team News. 🌍🏆

🇵🇦 Panama XI: Mosquera; Córdoba, Escobar, Harvey, Andrade, Murillo, Gutiérrez; Martínez, Rodríguez, Bárcenas.

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 England XI: Pickford; O’Reilly, Konsa, Guéhi, Quansah; Anderson, Bellingham, Rogers; Saka, Rashford, Kane.#FIFAWorldCup2026 pic.twitter.com/yiZvPOjTn1

— HF World (@hfworld_) June 27, 2026

The sweeping squad rotation also introduces fresh talent into the tournament’s high-stakes environment as England look to finish top of Group L.

Defender Jarell Quansah and Morgan Rogers are set to make their debut World Cup starts, replacing Reece James and Declan Rice in the starting XI.

Meanwhile, Elliot Anderson has successfully retained his spot in midfield, while regular anchor Declan Rice is a notable omission, starting among the substitutes due to fitness concerns.