Looking ahead, the confluence of Saka’s fitness gamble and the unsettling American backdrop could define England’s early trajectory. If the winger’s body holds, his directness gives England a vital edge; if it fails, the recriminations will be swift. The three-nation hosting format — spanning the United States, Canada and Mexico — adds logistical complexity that will reward the most adaptable squads. For now, Tuchel must strike a delicate balance between ambition and preservation, knowing that the outcome against Croatia will either validate the pre-tournament chaos as a galvanising force or expose it as a costly distraction.