World Cup 2026: Sutton Recommends Guehi and Konsa Start Ahead of Stones in Ghana Match

Chelsea legend Chris Sutton has urged Thomas Tuchel to drop John Stones for England’s crucial FIFA World Cup 2026 Group L match against Ghana on Tuesday.

During a discussion on BBC Sport, Sutton said the usual debate over whether Marc Guéhi or Ezri Konsa should start is misdirected. He argued that the two younger centre‑backs should play together, pushing the veteran defender out of the lineup.

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Sutton highlighted that Konsa and Guéhi have superior attributes for handling isolated, one‑against‑one situations against high‑calibre, fast‑paced attackers such as those in Ghana.

“Why is the debate Guehi for Konsa and not Stones? I’d have Guehi and Konsa because they are the best defenders,” he said. “Don’t get me wrong, Stones has been a great player and I have huge respect for his career, but you’re talking about a guy who doesn’t even have a club for next season yet.”

“I don’t think Stones has the athleticism which the other two possess. Konsa and Guehi have better attributes in 1v1 situations than Stones, and there’ll be times in games when they’ll be isolated against players of the highest class.”

Stones managed only five Premier League starts last season before his Manchester City contract expired this summer, leaving him currently clubless and without competitive minutes.

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He concluded his illustrious decade‑long tenure at Manchester City, cementing his legacy as a club legend with 19 major trophies, including six Premier League titles. Despite recurring injuries and a limited 18‑appearance season, his composed defending earned him a spot in England’s squad for the summer World Cup.