England have opted for Ezri Konsa and John Stones to start at the back against Croatia tonight, leaving Manchester City’s Marc Guehi on the bench.Stones has been a veteran for England and played in every game at the last four major tournaments, and is able to tick off the opening fixture for his country at the 2026 World Cup.Tuchel has opted for a more settled duo of Konsa and StonesGettyHowever, his game time at the Etihad became heavily reduced after the arrival of former Crystal Palace defender Guehi in January.Many had expected Guehi to start England’s Group L opener but that is not the case.Tuchel’s tacticsThomas Tuchel has been clear about his defensive preferences and wants the most physical option to optimise the team in dead ball situations, as the team sheet for the first fixture against Croatia was leaked earlier this week.The German boss has insisted that set pieces will be a major part of England’s strategy, and the ex-Everton centre-half is the stronger in regards to aerial ability, despite Guehi being the more complete footballer.When he announced his initial squad, the ex-Chelsea boss described Stones by saying ‘he knows how to adapt to a winning culture’ and ‘he is still on the highest level when I see him play’.Current Man City centre-back Guehi is the long-term successor to Stones at club level and, in the modern game, is estimated at a market value ten times more.His price tag values his age, availability, and potential, as the Ivory Coast-born defender is only 25 years old.For England fans, there will be a concern that Stones will be exposed to injury after a lack of match fitness, having playing only nine games in the domestic campaign.With the option of Konsa, who became one of only four outfield players to surpass 20,000 minutes since he joined Aston Villa, another top-tier alternative is available for the Three Lions.Guehi v Stones stats for 2025/26 season Minutes played: 1690 v 1144Fouls conceded per 90: 0.69 v 0Clearances per 90: 4.15 v 4.25Interceptions per 90: 1.6 v 0.87Duel success: 63.2% v 78.9%Dribbled past per 90: 0.37 v 0.24Konsa and Guehi are the preferred pairing by fansGettyPundits suggest that Tuchel’s selections will be decided on a case-by-case basis, adjusting the pairing depending on whether the opponent likes to press high.If a team deploys a physical striker, Tuchel may look for Konsa, while if the opposition are likely to sit off and hit on the break, Guehi could come into his own.What have people said?While it may shock fans that the German manager has favoured the older, yet more experienced defender, Gabby Agbonlahor isn’t surprised.He told talkSPORT Breakfast: “I think Konsa and Stones do start – Stones on that left-hand side, Konsa right side.“I wouldn’t have started Stones. But I just think that [Tuchel] really likes Stones. “There’s something about this manager. I don’t know if it’s the way Stones can play that from the back.“He’s very good coming out with the ball, great on the ball. “In the early [group L] games – Croatia, Ghana, Panama, I think will be okay.”The 32-year-old has 89 appearances for his international team.GettyHe added: “I wouldn’t start Stones [then]. I’d be worried if we play a France or a Portugal.“I think we’ll be okay as well with Stones back there [against Mexico]. “I think we get the test of the top, top teams – that’s when I’ll be a bit worried.“But I’m honest – I loved Guehi at Crystal Palace. He started well at Manchester City but towards the end, I watched some of the games and I’m like: ‘Hmm I’m a bit worried here’, and it looks like the manager’s not going to play him.”Tuchel has also ended several media-sparked debates, including selecting Jude Bellingham over Morgan Rogers in midfield, and opting for Anthony Gordon instead of Marcus Rashford.Additionally, Noni Madueke has been chosen ahead of his Arsenal teammate, Bukayo Saka, who is supposedly not fully fit.World Cup WhatsAppDon't miss an update from talkSPORT in our dedicated World Cup WhatsApp channel.Search for ‘talkSPORT World Cup’ in your ‘Updates’ tab on WhatsApp and we’ll drop the proper, unfiltered football chat straight to your lock screen—no fluff, just pure talkSPORT energy.It’s where you’ll find out all the new rules to watch out for, England and Scotland reaction and big match player ratings. Plus there will be loads of debates on the biggest talking points as Haaland, Mbappe, Kane and the biggest names in football descend on America, Canada and Mexico.