Alan Shearer is among several England legends concerned by reports that Thomas Tuchel will drop Marc Guehi for the Three Lions' World Cup opener against Croatia. Tuchel's side begins their campaign with a potentially tricky clash against Group L rivals Croatia in Dallas on Wednesday night.
England have been installed as one of the favorites to win the World Cup after coming close to a major trophy under former boss Sir Gareth Southgate. Southgate's team reached back-to-back European Championship finals and the semi-final of the 2018 World Cup before exiting at the quarter-final stage in Qatar four years ago.
England put their faith in former Chelsea and PSG manager Tuchel ahead of this World Cup, hoping the German can end 60 years of hurt in the United States. But Tuchel has already surprised several England greats with reports he is set to drop Guehi for the World Cup opener and partner John Stones with Ezri Konsa in defense.
Guehi was one of England's best players at Euro 2024 and traveled to the States off the back of a brilliant season for Crystal Palace and Manchester City. Konsa also impressed for Aston Villa, helping Unai Emery's side qualify for the Champions League and win the Europa League. Stones has been one of England's best defenders for the past decade but barely featured in his final season at Man City due to injury issues.
Shearer's Verdict
“Judging by the reports, if you believe them, it looks like it’s going to be John Stones and Ezri Konsa, so Marc Guehi would be the one to miss out,” Shearer said on The Rest is Football. “I would start Guehi and Konsa, just because of Stones’ lack of football. He didn’t play much this season, and this is obviously a very important game. So I would go with Guehi and Konsa. It will be a big surprise if Guehi is left out. Not many people would have started without Guehi in this first game.”
Lineker and Cole Weigh In
Fellow former England striker Gary Lineker agreed with Shearer’s assessment: “I would certainly start Marc Guehi. If Stones is fit, I would start him as well.” Joe Cole, a mainstay in the England team between 2001 and 2010, added: “Same. For me, Marc Guehi is the number one centre-half in the squad. John Stones is a fantastic player, and if he can get to the levels he’s reached before, he’s England’s best defender. But Guehi was incredible this season. I find it strange that they’re even talking about not playing him.”
Richards' Perspective
Ex-England defender Micah Richards would also start Guehi against Croatia but noted that Konsa “never lets you down.” “I would agree with you guys,” he said. “I’m playing Marc Guehi and John Stones. They complement each other really well. Guehi is good on the ball but also dependable and reads the game well. For the balance of the team, those two would work well. Having said that, Ezri Konsa never lets you down. I trust all three of them, to be honest, but I would go with Guehi and Stones.”
The other major selection dilemmas for Tuchel concern the left-wing and the No. 10 position. Marcus Rashford and Anthony Gordon are competing for a place on the left flank, while Jude Bellingham looks set to get the nod ahead of Morgan Rogers. After their World Cup opener against Croatia, England take on Ghana and Panama as they look to progress from Group L and reach the knockout stages.
