Postpublished at 15:46 BST 16 June
Let's turn our attention now to this evening's World Cup games where there are a few of the biggest sporting names in action ...
Image source, Getty Images
Image source, Getty Images
Image source, Getty ImagesSummary
Scotland forward Lyndon Dykes speaks to media at World Cup
Dykes says World Cup journey is "dream come true"
He adds Friday's opponents Morocco will be difficult but "I believe in my team and myself"
Build-up to Tuesday's matches - Norway, France and Argentina all in action
Chalobah added to squad, replacing Livramento
Send us your views
Postpublished at 15:46 BST 16 June
Image source, Getty ImagesImage source, Getty ImagesImage source, Getty ImagesRobust Three Lionspublished at 15:43 BST 16 June
England v Croatia (Weds, 21:00 BST)
England kept eight clean sheets as they qualified for the 2026 World Cup as the top side in Group K.
Scoring 22, the Three Lions might not have bagged quite as many as Norway (37?!), but they didn't let a single one in - a feat which no other team achieved.
They were also one of just two teams - along with Norway - who won every single qualifier.
Encouraging, right?
Image source, BBC SportMaguire relates 'awkward' Tuchel callpublished at 15:40 BST 16 June
England v Croatia (Wed, 21:00 BST)
Simon Stone
Manchester United Reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesHarry Maguire has revealed England boss Thomas Tuchel told him his World Cup dream was over on a FaceTime call.
Maguire's omission from Tuchel's 26-man squad was one of the most contentious and led to a stinging rebuke from the Manchester United defender at the time as he said he was "shocked and gutted".
Speaking on Gary Lineker's Rest is Football World Cup podcast, Maguire says he still believes he should have been picked – and revealed the method Tuchel chose to deliver the bad news.
"He FaceTimed everyone," said Maguire. "It was quite an awkward call.
"I received a text saying can I speak to you about 4pm. It is quite a unique way of doing it and it must be quite hard because he can see everyone's reactions.
"I said straightaway I was really disappointed. I thought I did enough to be in the squad and thought I could have helped and had a part to play on and off the pitch.
"He said he can't give me an excuse but he had gone with the four lads who got him through the autumn.
"It was tough to take. I did think I would be in the squad after being selected for the March camp under him for the first time. I did really well in both games and then went back to Manchester United and finished the season really strongly."
get involved Get Involved- Your England XIpublished at 15:36 BST 16 June
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Stick Kane at right back, Dan Burn as the attacking midfielder and Chalobah on the wing. That'll fool em...
Ben, Clent
Well Ben, stranger things have happened!
Kane has got past experience in goal, don't forget...
Image source, Getty ImagesSaka is "ready to go"published at 15:32 BST 16 June
England v Croatia (Wed, 21:00 BST)
Alex Howell
BBC Sport England reporter in Kansas
Image source, Getty ImagesBukayo Saka says he will continue gambling with his fitness and is "ready to go" for England's World Cup opener against Croatia on Wednesday.
The Arsenal winger has been carrying an Achilles injury since March and had game-time managed for both Arsenal and the Three Lions.
Saka missed the March international break with the issue and seven games for the Gunners but returned to help his club side lift the Premier League title for the first time in 22 years.
England manager Thomas Tuchel has said he needs to "take care" of the 24-year-old and it is "very unlikely" Saka would "start and finish" all the World Cup matches.
But when asked if he is ready to play the whole of England's opening game in Dallas, Saka said he is ready to be selected.
"I don't want to say anything that goes against the manager," Saka said.
"What I would say is that between Mikel [Arteta] and the Arsenal medical team and Thomas [Tuchel] and the England medical team, since March they have managed me amazingly and helped me get back on the pitch and do what I can for the team.
"I'm feeling better than I have felt in the last few months and I'm ready to go."
Test your England knowledgepublished at 15:28 BST 16 June
While we're talking about England, I've got a bit of fun for you in the form of a quiz.
Cast your mind back to the last time Croatia and England met at a World Cup - that's the 2018 semi-final if you're stumbling at the first hurdle!
How many of England's starting line-up can you name from that game?
Konsa over Stones?published at 15:24 BST 16 June
England v Croatia (Weds, 21:00 BST)
Image source, Getty ImagesFormer England internationals Alan Shearer and Paul Robinson have both opted to give Ezri Konsa his World Cup debut ahead of John Stones in their ideal elevens to face Croatia.
After making his debut in a friendly against Brazil in March 2024, Konsa's first competitive appearance came in the quarter-finals at EURO 2024, which Marc Guehi missed through suspension.
The Aston Villa player scored his first and only England goal against Serbia in World Cup qualifying in September and has 19 England caps.
"I fully expect John Stones to play, but I would actually go with Ezri Konsa and Marc Guehi at the back, but so many of the others pick themselves," Robinson said.
Micah Richards explains why he would choose Stones, who has 12 World Cup caps: "I would go with John Stones instead of Ezri Konsa, even though Konsa has been really reliable. I just believe on the ball at international football Stones can dictate and if we need to keep the ball in a game, he is one that can certainly do that."
get involved Get Involved- Your England XIpublished at 15:20 BST 16 June
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Dropping Marc Guehi would be a mistake - his pace will be vital against more mobile forward lines.
Des, Surrey
Image source, Getty ImagesHow's this for an England XI?published at 15:17 BST 16 June
England v Croatia (Weds, 21:00 BST)
Pickford; James, Stones, Guehi, O'Reilly; Rice, Anderson; Saka, Bellingham, Rashford; Kane.
This is the eleven that Micah Richards, Joe Hart and Steph Houghton agreed should start against Croatia tomorrow.
"Jude Bellingham, I would start him ahead of Morgan Rogers in a number 10 position because he is a big game player," Richards said.
"I think he is a genuine superstar. I think there is two genuine stars in him and Harry Kane."
"By no way, shape or form do I think that this squad will play every game," said Hart.
"The squad has such an important role to play. I think it is a balanced team. You could change seven of those because the squad is so good."
Image source, BBC SportWho starts against Croatia?published at 15:15 BST 16 June
England v Croatia (Wed, 21:00 BST)
You know Steve, we launched into this England chat three hours ago fully expecting to discuss who would be in Thomas Tuchel's starting XI.
To all intents and purposes, nothing has changed.
Tino Livramneto was not expected to be a first-choice full-back, he just offered a viable alternative to both Reece James on the right and Nico O'Reilly on the left.
What has changed is the defensive dynamic - for example, who could come in for James or O'Reilly if they get injured or tire at the end of matches?
That is a discussion for another day.
Let's veer back to the matter in hand - who starts against Croatia?
get involved Get Involved- 'Credit to Tuchel for being his own man'published at 15:10 BST 16 June
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Its not about picking the best individual players it's about picking the best team - credit to Tuchel for being his own man.
Steve, Derby
Tuchel and Chalobah's Chelsea linkspublished at 15:08 BST 16 June
England v Croatia (Wed, 21:00 BST)
Image source, Getty ImagesThomas Tuchel's relationship with Trevoh Chalobah goes all the way back to the German's stint as Chelsea manager between 2021 and 2022.
The early years of Chalobah's senior Chelsea career were characterised by loans as the Londoner spent time at Huddersfield Town and Ipswich Town.
Having returned to Stamford Bridge following a spell with Lorient in Ligue 1, Chalobah was handed his first senior Blues appearance by Tuchel in the Uefa Super Cup final in the summer of 2021.
Champions League winners Chelsea were held to a 1-1 draw by Villareal, who won the Europa League, but Tuchel's side clinched the trophy on penalties.
get involved Get Involved - 'I’m willing to just accept it and keep the belief'published at 15:03 BST 16 June
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I like big Trev from his time with us (Palace). However, I cannot understand the decision. Given that Tuchel’s managerial record and expertise are (arguably) better than mine, I’m willing to just accept it and keep the belief.
Nick, Kent
Chalobah's England experiencepublished at 15:00 BST 16 June
England v Croatia (Wed, 21:00 BST)
Image source, Getty ImagesTrevoh Chalobah has made one senior appearance for the Three Lions.
In June 2025, he started at the City Ground as Thomas Tuchel's much-changed England team were beaten 3-1 by Senegal.
It was England's first defeat under Tuchel and a poor performance that was comprehensively booed by fans at the Nottingham stadium.
get involved Get Involved - 'Another right-back essential'published at 14:57 BST 16 June
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I don't understand TT replacing a right-back with a central defender. Reece James' fitness is well known, and it's unlikely he'll play a full tournament. Djed Spence has a broken jaw! Another right-back, and Trent is the only one eligible, is essential! Picking Chalobah at RB over Trent?!
Michael, London
Chalobah played one game last season at RB - a loss to Leeds!! Why not pick a recognised right-back or left-back?
Jon, Bristol
Chalobah battles back to state his case at the Bridgepublished at 14:53 BST 16 June
England v Croatia (Wed, 21:00 BST)
Image source, Getty ImagesFormer Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca failed to name Trevoh Chalobah in any of his first four Premier League squads, at the start of the 2024-25 season.
The Blues academy graduate ended up moving to Crystal Palace on loan, but was recalled by Chelsea in January, 2025.
Since returning to west London, Chalobah has established himself as a regular and this season scored three goals in 47 appearances for the Blues.
get involved Get Involved - 'What are the players picked privately saying to each other?'published at 14:49 BST 16 June
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Trevoh Chalabah, come on now, this is getting very silly now. No TAA, no Lewis Hall, no full-back, instead a totally average centre-half. Absolutely ridiculous. Honestly what are the players picked privately saying to each other?
Villaturk, Birmingham
Chalobah bottom of BBC Sport pollpublished at 14:46 BST 16 June
England v Croatia (Wed, 21:00 BST)
It looks like Trevoh Chalobah has got his wish, but faces a bit of work to win round the England faithful.
Of those who took part in our poll earlier, asking who England should call up if Tino Livramento was ruled out, only 8% opted for Chalobah.
Trent Alexander-Arnold topped the poll with 38%, followed by Lewis Hall with 34%.
A total of 20% of readers said they would prefer "someone else" - with Thomas Tuchel's provisional list of players he could choose from also including defenders Myles Lewis-Skelly, Levi Colwill, Fikayo Tomori, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw.
Manifested?published at 14:40 BST 16 June
England v Croatia (Wed, 21:00 BST)
This post shared by Trevoh Chalobah eight years ago has resurfaced and is doing the rounds on X.
Image source, Xget involved Get Involved - 'If it doesn't work, it's on Tuchel'published at 14:39 BST 16 June
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Very odd to bring in a centre-back when we have some really top-class full-backs sat at home, but, given there's a performance clause in Tuchal's contract, if it doesn't work it's on him, simple as.
AR, Sussex
FIFA World Cup Scores and fixtures
Tuesday 16th June
Group G
All times are UK and subject to change. BBC is not responsible for any changes.
FIFA World Cup
Skip to table key
Group A
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 3 |
| |
| 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | -1 | 0 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | -2 | 0 |
|
Group B
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
|
Group C
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | -1 | 0 |
|
Group D
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 3 |
| |
| 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 3 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | -2 | 0 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 4 | -3 | 0 |
|
Group E
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 1 | 6 | 3 |
| |
| 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | -1 | 0 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 7 | -6 | 0 |
|
Group F
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 1 | 4 | 3 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 5 | -4 | 0 |
|
Group G
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
|
Group H
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
|
Group I
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| |
| 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | -2 | 0 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | -2 | 0 |
|
Group J
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| |
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| |
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| |
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|
Group K
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| |
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| |
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| |
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|
Group L
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| |
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| |
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| |
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|
3rd Place Ranking
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| |
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| |
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| |
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | -1 | 0 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | -1 | 0 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | -2 | 0 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | -2 | 0 |
|
Key
- Position 1, 2 : 16th Finals
- Position 3 : Possible 16th Finals
