‘Bizarre’ Thomas Tuchel baffles with England player who won’t win the World Cup
England manager Thomas Tuchel has been questioned for a peculiar decision he made during the Three Lions’ win over Andorra.
An own goal and a Declan Rice header in the second half gave England a 2-0 win over Andorra at Villa Park.
The win keeps England top of their World Cup qualification group with a perfect record, with Tuchel looking closely at which players he will be pick for the tournament, should they get there.
Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson made his England debut against Andorra, whilst Noni Madueke was a bright performer in an otherwise-underwhelming display by Tuchel’s side.
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Posting on X [6 September], Henry Winter, found it “bizarre” that Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi was not paired with Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa at centre-back.
Newcastle‘s Dan Burn was preferred to Konsa in the starting XI, and Winter questioned that decision.
“At centre-back, why start Burn? Gives a threat at corners but are England going to win the World Cup with Burn, when he’ll be 34?, Winter asked.
“Konsa-Guehi will be England’s centre-back combination at the World Cup. Need more time to work on their understanding.
“None here. Guehi came off… for Konsa. Bizarre.”
After John Stones pulled out of the England squad due to injury Winter stated that Guehi and Konsa would make a “good partnership.”
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Football Insider Verdict
If Stones can stay fit for the World Cup, then the Manchester City defender and Guehi are likely to be Tuchel’s first choice centre-back partnership.
Amid Stones’ injury problems though Tuchel needs to be looking at other combinations before the World Cup arrives.
Perhaps Tuchel was looking ahead with Serbia in mind when taking Guehi off with 14 minutes remaining, and the German has experimented with various back four’s during his tenure as England boss.
| Marc Guehi | Stats |
| Minutes Played | 76 |
| Touches | 127 |
| Clearances | 1 |
| Headed Clearances | 1 |
| Recoveries | 3 |
Serbia away will be England’s biggest test in World Cup qualification, so Tuchel’s team selection in Belgrade could be an early indicator of his preferred back four.
Tuchel would have learnt little from a defensive perspective against Andorra, and England will come under more pressure in hostile surroundings away in Serbia.