Roy Keane names England star who ‘gets the nod’ against Croatia after Costa Rica win

Keane believes Tuchel has made his decision (Picture: FA via Getty Images)

Roy Keane believes Anthony Gordon has won the battle to start ahead of Marcus Rashford in England’s World Cup opener against Croatia next week.

The left wing spot is up for grabs in Thomas Tuchel’s side with both players getting a run out in warm-up games against New Zealand and Costa Rica.

Rashford impressed in the first 45 minutes against the All Whites on Saturday night with Gordon onto replace him at half-time. The newly-signed Barcelona star was given the nod from the start against Costa Rica on Wednesday, stepping up to score a second-half penalty before Rashford replaced him for the final 20 minutes.

The club futures of the two have also crossed paths somewhat with Gordon effectively replacing Rashford at Barcelona with the La Liga champions opting not to take up their open to sign the latter on a permanent deal from Manchester United.

Tuchel has a couple of selection headaches ahead of England’s opening Group L match against Croatia on Wednesday night.

And former United captain Keane believes Gordon has done enough to secure a starting berth.

‘I think Thomas Tuchel will be pleased,’ Keane told ITV as the Three Lions secured a 3-0 win in their final warm-up game.

‘There was more intensity tonight in terms of the opposition. A good urgency from England that I enjoyed.

Gordon scored in the win over Costa Rica (Picture: Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

‘You want players to give you a headache.

‘Anthony Gordon will be on a high with his dream move to Barcelona. Gordon, you would think, would get the nod [over Rashford].

‘A dream scenario for the manager. The players driving each other on.’

Rashford pushing for a starting role Rich Storry/Getty Images)

Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson started in midfield with Kobbie Mainoo replacing the latter midway through the second-half.

The Manchester United midfielder comes into the tournament in fine form with former England star Darren Anderton believing he is unlucky not to be starting.

‘He’s good going forward, but he can also sit deeper. I do like [Declan] Rice and [Elliot] Anderson as well, and I wouldn’t have a problem with whichever combination the manager picks. It looks like he really likes the Rice-Anderson partnership, which will be harsh on Mainoo. He is unlucky not to start but it’s a good sign of strength for England,’ Anderton told Metro via Online Live Casino.

‘I think that’s probably how England will start, but if the performances aren’t great, things could change. I think Mainoo is a little unlucky, and I wouldn’t have a problem with him playing. That doesn’t necessarily mean I think he should start because the other two are very good players, but I do think he’s unfortunate to miss out.’

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