Marc Guehi is expected to be on the bench for England's World Cup opener against Croatia. Jude Bellingham looks set to start, and Thomas Tuchel is leaning toward John Stones and Ezri Konsa in central defence because he wants more physicality.

Why Guehi may be the one left out

The key detail is not that Guehi has been poor. He has just posted a 7.9 in his most recent league match, which makes the expected bench role feel like a selection call rather than a form issue.

The balance problem is real, though. Guehi is usually the left-sided central defender, while Stones and Konsa are both right-footed, so Tuchel is weighing profile as much as output. That leaves John Stones and Konsa as the likelier pair for the opener.

Sami Mokbel's view is that Tuchel prefers the extra physicality Stones and Konsa offer over Guehi's profile, even if balance still has to be handled carefully. In other words, this is not just a case of picking the best-rated player and moving on.

Bellingham looks set to start

Bellingham also appears to have won his own selection fight, with Morgan Rogers the alternative in the No.10 role. The England midfielder said everyone has to feel part of the squad, telling football365.com: "everyone's got to feel loved and feel a huge part of the team. The other thing is just to enjoy it."

That kind of message fits the way England are approaching the opener. Bellingham's recent form helps his case too, with a 7.2 in his most recent Champions League appearance and several strong outings in the wider sample.

Kyle Walker has backed Stones and Guehi based on club experience, saying: "I'm going with John [Stones] and Marc [Guehi], just because of their club experience. They have the knowledge of playing together."

Walker was speaking with the authority of a former England defender with 96 caps, so his view is not just outside noise. Even so, the early read points the other way, with Tuchel favouring physicality for England vs Croatia. If that call holds, Guehi waits and Stones plus Konsa get the first nod.

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