FIFA leak reveals Rashford beats Gordon to England's No.11 shirt as Tuchel shows World Cup hand
Squad numbers inadvertently published on FIFA website suggest Manchester United forward has won left-wing battle with Newcastle rival
Marcus Rashford has secured England's prestigious No.11 shirt for the World Cup, with Anthony Gordon handed No.18 in squad numbers accidentally published on FIFA's official website.
The leak, which appeared briefly on FIFA's documentation portal before removal, provides the clearest indication yet that Thomas Tuchel has settled on his preferred starting XI two weeks before England's tournament opener against Croatia in Dallas.
Rashford wins the numbers game - and likely the starting spot
The allocation of shirt numbers tells its own story. Rashford's No.11 places him firmly in the traditional starting XI numbering system, while Gordon's No.18 suggests bench duty when England begin their campaign on 17 June.
Traditional hierarchy confirmed
The leaked list confirms England's expected spine remains intact:
- jordan" class="entity-link entity-link--team">jordan-pickford" class="entity-link entity-link--player">Jordan Pickford - No.1
- Declan Rice - No.4
- John Stones - No.5
- Bukayo Saka - No.7
- Harry Kane - No.9
- Jude Bellingham - No.10
- Marcus Rashford - No.11
The most intriguing revelation comes at No.8, where anderson" class="entity-link entity-link--player">Elliot Anderson appears set to partner Rice in midfield. The Newcastle midfielder's allocation of a starting number suggests he's beaten Liverpool's Curtis Jones and Manchester City's Rico Lewis to the spot.
Gordon's consolation prize
Gordon's No.18 shirt places him alongside other likely substitutes. Ollie Watkins (No.19), Noni Madueke (No.20), and Eberechi Eze (No.21) occupy similar squad rotation numbers.
For the Newcastle forward, who scored 15 Premier League goals last season, it represents a clear message about his place in Tuchel's pecking order.
What the leaked lineup tells us about Tuchel's tactical approach
The numbers reveal more than just personnel preferences. They expose Tuchel's likely tactical setup for England's Group L campaign.
Experience over form
Rashford's selection despite Gordon's superior club form last season signals Tuchel's preference for tournament experience. The Manchester United forward has 53 caps and played in two major tournaments, while Gordon has just 12 international appearances.
"Tuchel advised his England players to holiday in US time zones to acclimatise for the tournament."
This attention to detail extends to squad selection. The German coach appears to value players who've performed on the biggest stages over those enjoying purple patches at club level.
The Anderson gamble
Perhaps the biggest tactical revelation is Elliot Anderson's No.8 shirt. The 22-year-old's promotion suggests Tuchel plans a more dynamic midfield partnership with Rice, potentially sacrificing defensive stability for creativity.
Anderson offers different qualities to the more defensive-minded alternatives. His ability to carry the ball forward and link midfield to attack could be crucial against teams who sit deep.
Early team news and the betting edge: Markets to target before they adjust
For shrewd punters, this leak provides valuable information before bookmakers adjust their prices. The confirmation of likely starters affects multiple betting markets.
First goalscorer markets
Rashford's inclusion in the starting XI significantly shortens his odds for first goalscorer markets. Currently available at 16/1 to score first against Croatia, expect this to drop to around 12/1 once team news becomes official.
Gordon backers might find value in anytime scorer markets for later group games. If England secure qualification early, rotation becomes likely against Panama.
Player-specific propositions
Several markets remain mispriced based on this information:
- Rashford to start all group games - currently 5/2
- Anderson to score his first England goal at the tournament - 14/1
- Gordon to start fewer than two group games - 4/6
The leak also impacts combination bets. England to win and Rashford to score anytime offers better value than similar bets involving Gordon, despite comparable odds currently.
What happens next
England face New Zealand in Miami on Saturday, providing Tuchel one final opportunity to test his preferred XI. The smart money suggests we'll see something close to the lineup these squad numbers imply.
For Rashford, the No.11 shirt represents vindication after a difficult season at Manchester United. For Gordon, it's motivation to prove Tuchel wrong when his chance arrives.
The 2026 World Cup begins in earnest when England face Croatia at AT&T Stadium in Dallas. Thanks to FIFA's administrative error, we already know who'll likely be wearing the famous three lions from the start.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Marcus Rashford start for England at the World Cup?
Based on the leaked squad numbers showing Rashford as No.11, he appears set to start on the left wing in Thomas Tuchel's preferred XI. Traditional numbering (1-11) typically indicates starting players, making Rashford likely to begin against Croatia on 17 June.
When does England play at the World Cup 2026?
England's Group L fixtures are: Croatia on 17 June in Dallas, Ghana on 21 June in Boston, and Panama on 25 June at the New York/New Jersey Stadium. All times will be confirmed closer to the tournament.
Who is in England's World Cup squad?
England's 26-man squad includes Harry Kane (captain), Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford, and Jordan Pickford as key players. The leaked numbers suggest Elliot Anderson will partner Rice in midfield, with Anthony Gordon among the substitutes.
What formation will England play at the World Cup?
The squad numbers suggest Tuchel will use a 4-2-3-1 formation with Rice and Anderson in defensive midfield, Bellingham as the number 10, and Saka and Rashford on the wings supporting Kane. This matches the system used during England's perfect qualifying campaign.
Why did Anthony Gordon get the No.18 shirt?
Gordon's No.18 suggests he's behind Rashford in the pecking order for the left-wing position. Despite strong club form, Gordon's limited international experience (12 caps) appears to have counted against him in Tuchel's selection for the starting XI.
Has Thomas Tuchel lost a game as England manager?
Tuchel remains unbeaten in competitive matches since taking charge in January 2025. England won all eight World Cup qualifiers without conceding a goal, though the Germany friendly defeat doesn't count towards his competitive record.
Where can I watch England at the World Cup?
In the UK, England's World Cup matches will be shown on BBC and ITV, with coverage shared between the broadcasters. The tournament runs from 11 June to 19 July 2026 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
What are England's chances of winning the World Cup?
England are currently third favourites at most bookmakers behind Brazil and France, typically priced around 7/1. Their perfect qualifying campaign and strong squad depth make them genuine contenders for their first World Cup since 1966.
SportSignals is an independent publication. Views expressed are our own.
Sources
This article is based on reporting from the publications above. Specific facts and quotes are credited inline where used.
Frequently Asked Questions
What shirt number did Marcus Rashford get for England at the World Cup?
Marcus Rashford was allocated England's No.11 shirt for the World Cup according to a FIFA leak. This traditional starting XI number suggests he has beaten Anthony Gordon to a place in Thomas Tuchel's preferred lineup.
Why did Anthony Gordon get No.18 instead of a starting number?
Anthony Gordon received No.18, which is typically assigned to substitute players rather than starters. Despite his superior club form last season with 15 Premier League goals, Tuchel appears to favour Rashford's tournament experience over Gordon's current form.
