England’s defence was flawless throughout their World Cup 2026 qualifying campaign.
Across eight matches in UEFA Qualification Group K, the Three Lions did not concede a single goal — a remarkable 12 hours of football without being breached.
However, as head coach Thomas Tuchel fine-tunes his preparations for this summer’s tournament, the defensive picture appears less assured than those statistics might suggest.
There are concerns surrounding key players. Chelsea’s Reece James sustained a hamstring injury in March, while Manchester City’s John Stones has endured a season hampered by fitness issues, reducing his playing opportunities.
This leaves Tuchel with tough decisions to make in defence, particularly in the long-standing debate of whether to prioritise players in form or those with greater experience.
Former England defender Micah Richards understands the magnitude of this challenge as he considers how England’s back line might shape up in North America this summer.
“If fully fit, my starting centre-back alongside Marc Guehi would be Stones, but he hasn’t been at his best physically this season,” the ex-Manchester City player told FourFourTwo.
“His experience could prove vital, but Ezri Konsa has enjoyed an outstanding season. So the question is — do you go with current form or rely on experience?
“During the Golden Generation, England often chose players based on experience, and that didn’t lead to success. But at the same time, you face criticism for leaving out big names. It’s not an easy call.”
Another area of uncertainty lies at left-back, with the position seemingly open just weeks before the tournament. Luke Shaw has not featured under Tuchel since the manager took charge last January.
“Lewis Hall is a terrific talent, but when it comes to international appearances, he’s still quite inexperienced,” Richards noted.
“There’s also Nico O’Reilly, who can play at left-back and drift into midfield when required. My choice would be Hall.”
Tuchel must finalise and submit his England squad by Saturday, May 30, giving him 18 days to decide before the Three Lions open their World Cup 2026 campaign against Croatia.
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