Gary Neville urges Thomas Tuchel to axe England pair and make two changes for Ghana World Cup clash
Gary Neville believes Thomas Tuchel should make two defensive changes for England's World Cup clash with Ghana, with Marc Guehi and Djed Spence drafted into the starting XI at the expense of John Stones and Nico O'Reilly.The former Manchester United defender expects Tuchel to freshen up his backline despite England opening their campaign with an entertaining 4-2 victory over Croatia in Dallas.Harry Kane struck twice, while Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford were also on target as the Three Lions moved top of Group L, though Neville feels the goals conceded exposed weaknesses that Ghana could look to exploit.Speaking on Sky Sports News, Neville predicted Tuchel would alter his defence ahead of Tuesday's encounter.TRENDINGStoriesVideosYour Say"I do expect changes," he said."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. I thought Spence was excellent when he came on against Croatia."Neville suggested Guehi's pace and ability in individual duels could make him better suited to dealing with Ghana's front line."I don't think John Stones will play every single game, every three or four days," he explained."Stones has got very good experience and I think there will be a place for him at the tournament, and there was last night, 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."Spence was introduced from the bench against Croatia and immediately impressed, almost marking his appearance with a goal.Neville believes the Tottenham defender has done enough to force his way into Tuchel's plans, potentially at the expense of O'Reilly.LATEST SPORTS NEWS:World Cup star suffers injury so horrific that ITV refuse to show replaysTV presenter quits and apologises after falsely claiming Lionel Messi's father had diedEngland national anthem row takes fresh twist with Thomas Tuchel 'unlikely' to be appeased by rule change"I think Spence is someone again 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," Neville said."He's very aggressive in his work and he's got a great tenacity about him."Spence also went forward very well when he came on and nearly scored, so I do think there will be some tweaks in the defence."Neville was otherwise full of praise for England's second-half display against Croatia and hailed Tuchel's willingness to make bold substitutions while protecting a slender lead."It was a very good night for Thomas Tuchel," he added."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."He was really brave, it was a good night for him. The team in the second half were fantastic."England face Ghana knowing victory would put them on the brink of securing qualification for the knockout stages before rounding off their group campaign against Panama.Ghana won't be easy, however.With Antoine Semenyo in their ranks, and with wind in their sails after a narrow win over Panama last time out, they'll enter the showdown full of confidence. Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter
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