England were held to a draw by Ghana (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Everybody just breathe. The words ‘shocker’ and ‘reality check’ have been thrown around to describe England‘s performance during their 0-0 draw against Ghana on Tuesday night.
To describe it as such does a disservice to Ghana and fails to acknowledge just how impressively the Black Stars performed against Thomas Tuchel‘s side. Finding the net against a team managed by Carlos Quieroz who, let’s face it, is renowned for parking the bus, is something the likes of Argentina, Spain and Portugal have all found tough at previous World Cups. Yet, England still registered 19 attempts on goal, four on target and wasted a glaring chance through Harry Kane in the dying moments, who sent his effort over the bar. Was it a perfect showing? Far from it. There was not enough endeavour through the middle of the pitch and the defence looked vulnerable at times.
There are things Tuchel must address but, make no mistake, this was markedly different to the uninspiring performances we saw on big occasions under Gareth Southgate. This England side presses with the intensity of a Premier League team and has a clear plan both with and without the ball — something that could not be said of the Three Lions in Qatar.
While the match was hardly what England fans would have expected, they still lead their group and are well positioned going into the final Group L fixture against Panama on Saturday night, where they will need to secure all three points.
Now, Express Sport examines how England should line up for the fixture. We look at the changes Tuchel should make, bearing in mind there is an opportunity to rotate and protect certain players, while bringing others up to speed and ultimately securing top spot in the group.
John Stones is England’s best centre-back (Image: Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
John Stones in – Marc Guehi out
The decision to omit John Stones from the starting XI against Ghana was almost certainly a precautionary measure to manage his fitness. The veteran centre-back made just nine Premier League appearances for Manchester City this season, having battled through thigh and calf problems.
Saturday’s encounter with Panama represents the ideal moment for him to reclaim his place in the starting line-up, building rhythm and sharpness ahead of the knockout stages, where England will undoubtedly call upon his wealth of experience.
The somewhat unconvincing display from Ezri Konsa and Marc Guehi on Tuesday — repeatedly exposed by long balls — only reinforced the idea that Stones remains the cornerstone of the England backline.
Nico O’Reilly hits the bar against Ghana (Image: undefined)
Nico O’Reilly in – Reece James out
It’s a miracle that England have Reece James fit for a major tournament. Every effort should be made to keep it that way by resting the Chelsea captain against Panama, preserving him for the more important fixtures that lie ahead at this World Cup.
Djed Spence appeared less convincing at left-back compared to his eye-catching right-back cameo in the opening fixture against Croatia. The Tottenham defender would be better served shifting to the right flank, freeing Nico O’Reilly to reclaim his place in the starting eleven.
The City full-back brings not only composure on the ball but also a considerable threat in the air, as demonstrated when he rattled the crossbar late in the match.
Declan Rice was seen limping after England’s clash with Ghana (Image: Shutterstock)
Morgan Rogers in – Declan Rice out
Rice had already been managing a back injury heading into the tournament and was forced off during England’s opener. There was even greater concern in Boston as the Arsenal talisman headed through the mixed zone post-match with heavy strapping on his left calf.
Even if he is deemed fit enough to feature, Tuchel would be wise to protect his influential midfielder by resting him for the Panama fixture — with Morgan Rogers the natural candidate to step in.
The Aston Villa man may not be a straight swap for Rice, but Panama are no Ghana. England are expected to exert even greater control over proceedings, and Rogers’ driving runs through the centre of the park, together with his eye for goal, would provide precisely what the side lacked on Tuesday.
Bukayo Saka is ready to start (Image: Getty Images)
Bukayo Saka in – Noni Madueke out
Bukayo Saka was fit enough to feature from the start against Ghana but was not introduced until the last half-hour. While Noni Madueke was far from disastrous on the right, the difference was clear to see when Saka entered the fray.
The Arsenal star had been managing an Achilles injury for several months, but Tuchel insisted pre-match: “He is getting better and better, feels no more pain and he is ready to go.”
While the full 90 minutes may prove too much of a stretch fitness-wise, England should ease Saka back into a starting role against Panama — as he is widely expected to feature from the off in the knockout stages — before potentially withdrawing him at half-time.
Marcus Rashford is ready to make an impact (Image: Getty)
Marcus Rashford in – Anthony Gordon out
Anthony Gordon’s performance against Ghana was hugely disappointing. The Barcelona man was taken off in the 64th minute having failed to leave any mark on the game.
The player he’s replacing in Catalonia, Marcus Rashford, should be handed his first start of the tournament to show what he can bring to the table. Rashford’s pace and directness alongside Kane, and Rogers in-behind, could be a winning formula for Tuchel.
How England should line-up against Panama: Jordan Pickford; Djed Spence, John Stones, Ezri Konsa, Nico O’Reilly; Elliot Anderson; Jude Bellingham, Morgan Rogers; Bukayo Saka, Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford.