Former England striker, Chris Sutton, has called on England manager Thomas Tuchel to make two changes to his starting XI ahead of Tuesday’s World Cup Group L clash against Ghana, backing Marc Guehi and Marcus Rashford to come into the side.
England made an impressive start to their World Cup campaign with a 4-2 victory over Croatia, one of the pre-tournament favourites.
Harry Kane struck twice, while Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford also found the net as the Three Lions secured three points in a thrilling encounter.
The result leaves England in a strong position in Group L and another win against Ghana in Boston would put them on the brink of securing top spot and a place in the knockout rounds.
Ghana also began their campaign with victory, though Carlos Queiroz’s side needed a late goal from Caleb Yirenkyi to edge Panama 1-0 and move into second place in the group.
Despite England’s winning start, Sutton believes Tuchel should alter his defensive partnership by bringing Guehi back into the lineup.
“Why is the debate Guehi for Konsa and not Stones?” he told BBC Sport. “I’d have Guehi and Konsa because they are the best defenders.
“Don’t get me wrong, John Stones has been a great player and I have huge respect for his career, but you are talking about a guy who doesn’t even have a club for next season yet.
“I don’t think Stones has the athleticism which the other two possess.
“It’s nothing against John, who has been a brilliant player. He’s got more composure on the ball, which he’s always had, but once England get out of the group, which they will, you will need your best defenders when you’re playing against the best attackers.
“I think Konsa and Guehi have better attributes in terms of one-against-one situations than John Stones and there will be times in games when they will be isolated one-against-one against players of the highest class.”
Sutton also believes Rashford has earned a starting place after making a strong impact from the bench against Croatia.
The Manchester United forward replaced Anthony Gordon in the closing stages and capped his appearance with a goal.
“It’s going to be a squad game at the World Cup,” Sutton added. “We could even have a debate about the other flank, where Noni Madueke started, with Tuchel managing Bukayo Saka’s minutes.
“On the left, though, I’d go for Rashford. I think Gordon’s form suffered towards the end of the season. He didn’t play much for Newcastle and he just doesn’t seem quite up to speed.
“This is not to say he won’t have a big part to play as the tournament goes on, but Rashford took his goal well and looked good. It’s close, but at the moment I’d go for Rashford. I think he deserves an opportunity.”
Rashford’s availability remains under observation after reports suggested he felt some muscle discomfort following the Croatia match.
The winger sat out a practice game involving England’s substitutes against Sporting Kansas City, although the issue is not believed to be serious.
Meanwhile, Declan Rice has eased concerns over his fitness after limping off during the Croatia win, insisting he is “good as gold.”
Bukayo Saka is also continuing his recovery from an Achilles problem and may not yet be ready to start.
England are aiming to end a 60-year wait for World Cup glory, having last lifted the trophy in 1966.
The Three Lions reached consecutive European Championship finals under Sir Gareth Southgate and were eliminated by France in the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup.
