World Cup 2026: Shearer Warns Tuchel Not to Start Stones Ahead of Guehi vs. Croatia

Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has said that England manager Thomas Tuchel should start Marc Guéhi over John Stones for the 2026 World Cup opener against Croatia.

Speaking with Tribal Football, Shearer praised Guéhi’s recent form and consistency, noting Stones’ lack of regular match fitness as a concern.

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Tuchel’s side will begin their World Cup campaign with a challenging Group L match against Croatia in Dallas on Wednesday night.

“Judging by the reports, if you believe them, it looks like it’s going to be John Stones and Ezri Konsa so Marc Guehi would be the one to miss out,” Shearer said. “I would start Guehi and Konsa, just because of Stones’ lack of football, he didn’t play much this season and this is obviously a very important game. So I would go with Guehi and Konsa. It will be a big surprise if Guehi is left out; not many people wouldn’t have started Guehi in this first game.”