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Tuchel’s decision to drop Guhi and pick Konsa has raised some eyebrows, but a glance at the German’s squad selection after Sir Gareth Southgate’s replacement suggests it shouldn’t come as a surprise.
Of England’s 15 games under Tuchel, Konsa has started 10, behind Pickford and Harry Kane, who have both started 12. He is also third in minutes played: 933 behind Pickford (1,008) and Kane (938).
Guhi played 504 minutes and just seven starts – and it’s worth noting that Tuchel was in charge at Chelsea when the 25-year-old was sold to Crystal Palace in July 2021.
Konsa had a chance to be confident when Petar Musa was substituted when Croatia scored their second equaliser, but Tuchel is believed to have made the choice, a big fan of his physicality and footballing style.
Tuchel’s faith in the 32-year-old Stones, who started just five Premier League games last year before leaving Manchester City, means it looks like a straight battle between Konsa and Guhi to line up alongside him.
Former England striker Chris Sutton believes Tuchel should combine Konsa and Guhi instead of starting with Stones.
He told BBC Sport: “The debate is why is it concrete and not stone?
“I would have Guhi and Konsa because they are great defenders.
“Don’t get me wrong, John Stones was a great player and I have a lot of respect for his life, but you’re talking about someone who doesn’t even have a club for next season.
“I don’t think Stones has the athleticism of the other two.
It doesn’t matter to John, who is a brilliant player. He always has more composure on the ball, but once England are out of the group, as they will be, when you play against the best strikers, you need your best defenders.
“I think Konsa and Guhi have better qualities than John Stones in terms of one-on-one situations and there will be times in games where they will be isolated one-on-one against top players.”
