Tuchel’s decision to pick Konsa while leaving out Guehi raised some eyebrows, but a glance at the German’s team selections since succeeding Sir Gareth Southgate suggests this should not have been a surprise.
Of England’s 15 games under Tuchel, Konsa has started 10, third behind Pickford and Harry Kane, who have both started 12. He is also third in minutes played, with 933 behind Pickford (1,008) and Kane (938).
Guehi has only started seven, playing 504 minutes – and it could also be noted that Tuchel was in charge at Chelsea when the 25-year-old was sold to Crystal Palace in July 2021.
Konsa had moments of uncertainty, getting caught out of position when Petar Musa scored Croatia’s second equaliser, but Tuchel is a huge admirer of his physical and footballing attributes, which are believed to have settled the selection.
Tuchel’s confidence in 32-year-old Stones, who only started five Premier League games last season before leaving Manchester City, means it looks like a straight battle between Konsa and Guehi to line up alongside him.
Former England striker Chris Sutton believes Tuchel should actually pair Konsa and Guehi rather than start with Stones.
He told BBC Sport: “Why is the debate Guehi for Konsa and not Stones?
“I’d have Guehi and Konsa because they are the best defenders.
“Don’t get me wrong, John Stones has been a great player and I have huge respect for his career, but you are 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.
“It’s nothing against John, who has been a brilliant player. He’s got more composure on the ball, which he’s always had, but once England get out of the group, which they will, you will need your best defenders when you’re playing against the best attackers.
“I think Konsa and Guehi have better attributes in terms of one-against-one situations than John Stones and there will be times in games when they will be isolated one-against-one against players of the highest class.”
