Pickford is set to start against Croatia as Tuchel confirms Konsa is back in contention for England

From the Newshound archive · first published 2 October 2026 · last updated 3 October 2026.

Jordan Pickford is to return to the England starting lineup against Croatia on Saturday after James Trafford kept goal in the first two Nations League fixtures. Thomas Tuchel confirmed the switch at his pre-match press conference, adding that Marc Guehi is also expected to start. Ezri Konsa trained fully on Friday after missing last week's sessions, giving Tuchel a significant selection boost on the right side of defence.

Tuchel said Konsa's return is 'a lot of hope' for Saturday, describing the Arsenal defender as 'a key player for us.'

Nico O'Reilly has left the camp with injury, but Guehi is fit and 'very likely to start,' Tuchel confirmed.

England face the Czech Republic again at Wembley on Tuesday, with Tuchel hinting at further rotation before players return to their clubs.