Gary Neville has hinted at two changes for England's next World Cup outing, suggesting defensive tweaks are needed to handle Ghana's threats. The former defender believes John Stones should be dropped, with Marc Guehi and Djed Spence brought into the backline.
England's Defensive Concerns
The Three Lions started their World Cup campaign with a 4-2 victory over Croatia on Wednesday night, but the win was not without flaws. England were twice pegged back in the first half before a strong team talk turned the tide. However, defensive issues were highlighted for Croatia's two goals, and Neville concedes that adjustments may be necessary to cope with Ghana next week.
Stones, who has had an injury-hit season, started at centre-half alongside Ezri Konsa. Neville would prefer Guehi in the heart of defence and also tipped Spence to start due to his athleticism and aggressive nature.
Neville's Recommendations
Speaking on Sky Sports, Neville said: "I do expect changes. Ghana have got Antoine Semenyo, they’ve got Brandon Thomas-Asante, they’ve got players who can play one-vs-one, who are mobile. So I do think Guehi coming in makes sense, and maybe Djed Spence as well."
He added: "I thought Spence was excellent when he came on against Croatia. I don’t think John Stones will play every single game, every three or four days. Stones has got very good experience and I think there will be a place for him at the tournament, but I do think we could see Guehi come in, being someone who can handle one-vs-one situations a little bit more and the physicality of the running of the Ghanaians."
Neville also praised Spence: "I think Spence is someone who will play a big part in this tournament, whether it’s right-back or left-back, because I think he’s like a leech when he defends. He’s very aggressive in his work and he’s got a great tenacity about him."
Group Stage Implications
A win over Ghana will make England near certainties to top their group as Thomas Tuchel seeks to end the nation's wait for major tournament success. Tuchel earned plaudits for his half-time adjustments in Dallas, with Neville suggesting it resulted in the best performance of any team so far.
"Obviously the victory is the most important but I think it was a good night for him, particularly from half-time onwards," Neville said. "That Anthony Barry interview at half-time was very punchy and I think they obviously weren’t happy with what happened in the first half. The way England played in that first 10 to 15 minutes of the second half, it was probably the best 10 to 15 minutes we’ve seen from any team in the tournament so far."
Upcoming Match
England face Ghana in their second group stage match, aiming to build on their opening win. Tuchel will have to decide whether to stick with the same lineup or make the changes Neville suggests.
