Thomas Tuchel is not a man seduced by sentiment. Despite England's functional, if not entirely convincing, opening victory over Croatia, the German ta...
Thomas Tuchel is not a man seduced by sentiment. Despite England's functional, if not entirely convincing, opening victory over Croatia, the German tactician is reportedly set to ring the changes for tonight's World Cup clash against Ghana. According to information gathered by GoalZaza, Marc Guehi and Djed Spence will be drafted into the starting eleven, with John Stones and young Nico O'Reilly making way.This is a fascinating piece of management from a man who prizes tactical flexibility above all else. Stones, for all his composure on the ball, looked a touch leggy against the Croats. Tuchel, ever the pragmatist, will have clocked that. In comes Guehi, a defender who reads the game beautifully and offers a more robust, physical presence in the heart of the backline. It is a decision that suggests Tuchel expects Ghana to offer a far sterner test in transitional play. They will look to run in behind, to get the ball into the box early. Guehi is the sort of centre half who thrives in the mixer.The promotion of Spence is the real curveball. O'Reilly is a talented lad, no doubt, but he lacks the raw dynamism that Spence brings to the right flank. Tuchel is clearly demanding more thrust, more direct running from his full back positions. Spence is a player who loves to get chalk on his boots, to stretch the opposition's low block and create overloads. This is not a conservative change; it is a statement of intent. He wants to put Ghana on the back foot from the first whistle.What does this mean for England's overall shape Expect a slightly higher defensive line, with Guehi empowered to step out and engage. And on the right, Spence and Bukayo Saka could form a terrifyingly quick partnership. Ghana will have done their homework on the Croatia game. Tuchel is now ensuring their homework has changed. This is clever, proactive management. Squeaky bum time for the Ghanaian full backs, that is for sure.These two alterations could be the difference between grinding out another win and producing the kind of clinical, authoritative performance that marks a team out as genuine contenders. England need that spark. Tuchel, with these two changes, might just have lit the fuse.
