Is England's defence a 'straight battle' between Guehi and Konsa?

[Getty Images] England's attacking style in their opening World Cup win against Croatia in Dallas created a stir of excitement but still left head coach Thomas Tuchel with questions to ponder. Tuchel's side looked vulnerable in defence, after he selected Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa ahead of Manchester City's Marc Guehi to partner John Stones. England's World Cup campaign now moves to Boston, where they face Ghana on Tuesday, and where Tuchel must decide whether to stick or twist with his line-up. His decision to pick Konsa while leaving out Guehi raised some eyebrows, but a glance at his team selections since succeeding Sir Gareth Southgate suggests this should not have been a surprise. Konsa has started 10 of England's 15 games under Tuchel, while Guehi has only started seven - and it could also be noted that Tuchel was in charge at Chelsea when the 25-year-old was sold to Crystal Palace in July 2021. Tuchel's confidence in 32-year-old Stones, who only started five Premier League games last season before leaving Manchester City, means it looks like a straight battle between Konsa and Guehi to line up alongside him. "Why is the debate around Guehi for Konsa - and not for Stones?" former England striker Chris Sutton told BBC Sport. "I would have Guehi and Konsa because they are the best defenders. "Don't get me wrong, I have huge respect for Stones' career, but you are talking about a guy who doesn't even have a club for next season yet. "Konsa and Guehi have better attributes in terms of one-against-one situations than Stones, and there will be times in games when they will be isolated one-against-one against players of the highest class." Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson believes Tuchel will make changes, but only because he can manage a strong squad and not because of any defensive concerns. "This was an England team that played to their strengths for the first time in a long time, instead of defending their weaknesses," he said. "I like it. "Six months ago it was Guehi and one other player, but Stones has got the trust of the manager. He is one of his leaders on the pitch. I don't have an issue with who Tuchel picks." Read the full article here