World Cup 2026: Marcus Rashford and Marc Guehi are Thomas Tuchel’s massive England dilemmas

Tuchel’s resolution to select Konsa whereas leaving out Guehi raised some eyebrows, however a look on the German’s workforce choices since succeeding Sir Gareth Southgate suggests this could not have been a shock.

Of England’s 15 video games below Tuchel, Konsa has began 10, third behind Pickford and Harry Kane, who’ve each began 12. He’s additionally third in minutes performed, with 933 behind Pickford (1,008) and Kane (938).

Guehi has solely began seven, enjoying 504 minutes – and it may be famous that Tuchel was in cost at Chelsea when the 25-year-old was bought to Crystal Palace in July 2021.

Konsa had moments of uncertainty, getting caught out of place when Petar Musa scored Croatia’s second equaliser, however Tuchel is a big admirer of his bodily and footballing attributes, that are believed to have settled the choice.

Tuchel’s confidence in 32-year-old Stones, who solely began 5 Premier League video games final season earlier than leaving Manchester Metropolis, means it seems to be like a straight battle between Konsa and Guehi to line up alongside him.

Former England striker Chris Sutton believes Tuchel ought to truly pair Konsa and Guehi relatively than begin with Stones.

He advised BBC Sport: “Why is the talk Guehi for Konsa and never Stones?

“I would have Guehi and Konsa as a result of they’re the perfect defenders.

“Do not get me fallacious, John Stones has been a terrific participant and I’ve enormous respect for his profession, however you might be speaking a couple of man who would not actually have a membership for subsequent season but.

“I do not suppose Stones has the athleticism which the opposite two possess.

“It is nothing towards John, who has been an excellent participant. He is received extra composure on the ball, which he is all the time had, however as soon as England get out of the group, which they’ll, you will want your finest defenders if you’re enjoying towards the perfect attackers.

“I believe Konsa and Guehi have higher attributes by way of one-against-one conditions than John Stones and there will likely be instances in video games when they are going to be remoted one-against-one towards gamers of the best class.”