England’s Defensive Bombshell: Guehi ‘Set to Miss’ 2026 World Cup Opener Against Croatia
by Devesh Jaganath | by Cydias Aujard
Tuchel Weighing Stones-Konsa Partnership for WC Curtain-Raiser?
Thomas Tuchel made waves ahead of the 2026 World Cup with his selection decisions, opting to call up the likes of Jarrell Quansah, Djed Spence and Tino Livramento, while Premier League stars Phil Foden, Lewis Hall and Harry Maguire were left at home.
As shown in our World Cup predictions, the Three Lions are set to kick off their World Cup campaign against the Blazers at the AT&T Stadium in Dallas, and reports leading up to the match suggest that the German tactician is set to repeat that trick when he names his starting XI on Wednesday night.
According to the BBC, sources indicate that the starting lineup Tuchel names for the clash against Croatia is expected to closely resemble the side he sent out in their victory over Costa Rica in their final warm-up match before the tournament.
England cruised to a 3-0 victory over the Central Americans thanks to goals from Anthony Gordon and Declan Rice before Ollie Watkins added the third from the bench.
If those reports prove accurate, Marc Guehi could find himself among the substitutes in midweek despite his status as one of England’s most highly rated defenders, with Ezri Konsa and John Stones seemingly preferred at the heart of Tuchel’s defence.
The report adds that while Guehi was favoured ahead of Stones under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City last season, Tuchel is believed to prefer greater physicality in his central defensive pairing, and Stones and Konsa are more physically imposing than the former Crystal Palace man.
The one positive for Guehi, though, is that a need for balance may get him into the starting lineup, as he plays as a left-sided central defender, while Stones and Konsa are naturally right-footed.
More Surprise Selection Calls Expected Further Upfield for England
Beyond Tuchel’s decisions at centre-back, the German will also have to make several big calls further upfield, where Jude Bellingham is looking increasingly likely to get the nod to start in the number 10 role ahead of Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers.
Rogers played a key role during England’s World Cup qualifying campaign, but Bellingham is a greater goal threat, and if he is at his best, it will ease some of the attacking burden on the Three Lions’ skipper Harry Kane, who is one of the favourites for the Golden Boot.
On the right flank, Noni Madueke was preferred to his Gunners’ teammate Bukayo Saka against Costa Rica. While Saka is widely regarded as England’s first-choice option, Tuchel has already suggested that the winger’s workload will need to be managed carefully throughout the tournament.
Arguably, Tuchel’s toughest call will be at left wing, where Marcus Rashford and Anthony Gordon are in contention. Both players had solid seasons, with Rashford recording 14 goals and 14 assists in 49 appearances for Barcelona, while Gordon notched up 17 goals and five assists in 43 matches for Newcastle.
Gordon was impressive in last week’s friendly, strengthening his claim for a starting berth on Wednesday, but Rashford’s wealth of experience on the international stage could ultimately give him the advantage.
