Team Update: Tuchel Reshuffles Defence as Partey Starts for Ghana

England’s defensive display was the main concern despite an impressive attacking showing in their opening World Cup match, where they secured an entertaining 4-2 victory over Croatia in Dallas.

Head coach Thomas Tuchel has responded by making changes at the back for today’s game. Marc Guehi replaces John Stones in central defence, while Djed Spence comes in for Nico O’Reilly.

Spence made a positive impact after coming off the bench against Croatia and has now been handed a starting role to strengthen his case for a regular place in the side. Guehi, meanwhile, was unlucky to miss out on the opener, with Tuchel opting for a partnership of Stones and Ezri Konsa.

The change is likely linked to careful management of Stones’ workload after a season in which he started only five Premier League matches for Manchester City.

For both Guehi and Spence, today’s selection presents a valuable opportunity to impress.

England XI: Pickford; James, Guehi, Konsa, Spence; Anderson, Rice; Madueke, Bellingham, Gordon; Kane.