Thomas Tuchel has altered his defensive setup for England's second Group L fixture at FIFA World Cup 2026, dropping John Stones and Nico O'Reilly in favour of Marc Guehi and Djed Spence as England seek to seal a place in the knockout rounds against Ghana.

Stones makes way for Guehi

Tuchel cited Guehi's "agility" as the decisive factor in the switch, with Stones having featured sparingly in club football this season. The Manchester City defender's lack of match sharpness made it difficult to justify a second consecutive start, and his Manchester City team-mate Guehi steps in to fill the role.

Spence earns his start

The more unexpected change sees Djed Spence come into the starting XI in place of Nico O'Reilly. The Tottenham Hotspur full-back made an immediate impression when he entered the action as a substitute against Croatia last week, using his pace and willingness to drive forward to trouble the opposition backline. Tuchel's decision appears to reward Spence's cameo performance rather than reflect any failing on O'Reilly's part.

The rest of the line-up

Jordan Pickford retains the gloves, with Reece James and Ezri Konsa completing the back four alongside Guehi and Spence. Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson, and Jude Bellingham form the midfield trio once again, while Noni Madueke and Anthony Gordon operate on either flank in support of captain Harry Kane through the middle.

A win tonight would be enough to confirm England's progression to the last 16, giving Tuchel's side a chance to build momentum early in the tournament.