Stats prove who England should start in World Cup opener vs Croatia… but two aces aren’t even in Thomas Tuchel’s squad

England's best possible starting lineup for their World Cup opener against Croatia has been identified through player statistics from the 2025-26 season, suggesting ideal choices for manager Thomas Tuchel. However, this theoretical lineup excludes some standout players who aren't part of Tuchel’s current squad, highlighting potential squad selection dilemmas. This analysis is crucial as it underscores the importance of strategic player selection and the impact of current team composition on performance in high-stakes matches.