Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterEnglands defence was literally perfect during the World Cup 2026 qualifying campaign.During their eight games in UEFA Qualification Group K, the Three Lions did not ship in a single goal - a total of 12 hours without conceding.But as Thomas Tuchel puts his final preparations in place for this summers tournament, his defensive situation is not as rosy as it seems. You may like England World Cup 2026 squad: Thomas Tuchel's latest squad for frustrating March internationals England defender rules himself out of World Cup squad Morgan Rogers tells FourFourTwo exclusively how Thomas Tuchel organises England Micah Richards on Englands defensive challengesThere are question marks over key personnel, with Chelseas Reece James having suffered a hamstring issue in March, while John Stones has endured an injury-hit campaign at Manchester City, limiting his playing time.This means Tuchel faces big calls at the back, not least the age-old debate of whether to go with form or experience.Get VIP England tickets HERE with Seat Unique!England games are a rite of passage for any match-going fan and unsurprisingly, hospitality tickets for the national side are amongst the very best in the country with pre-match lounge access, premium padded seats, quality dining and complimentary drinks. Matchday programmes and souvenirs are included, while the views are outstanding. You won't want to miss this.View DealAnd this challenge is one that former England defender Micah Richards fully appreciates as he ponders the Three Lions defence line-up in North America this summer.My starting centre back next to Marc Guehi would be Stones when fully fit this season though, he hasnt been, the former Manchester City man tells FourFourTwo.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.His experience could be important, but Ezri Konsa has had an excellent season. Do you pick on form or experience?The Golden Generation always seemed to be selected on their experience and that didnt work out, yet youre killed for leaving certain names out of the side. Its difficult.Another selection debate is at the left-back spot, which appears to be up for grabs, just weeks out of the tournament, with Luke Shaw not called up since Tuchel began the job last January.Lewis Hall is outstanding, but in terms of England caps, hes pretty inexperienced, Richards adds.Theres Nico OReilly as well, who can play that left-back role with the ability to move into midfield. My pick would be Hall.Tuchel has until Saturday, May 30 to make up his mind and submit his squad, 18 days ahead of Englands World Cup 2026 opener against Croatia.TOPICSEnglandWorld Cup 2026Joe MewisSocial Links NavigationFor more than a decade, Joe Mewis has worked in football journalism as a reporter and editor. Mewis has had stints at Mirror Football and LeedsLive among others and worked at FourFourTwo throughout Euro 2024, reporting on the tournament. In addition to his journalist work, Mewis is also the author of four football history books that include times on Leeds United and the England national team. Now working as a digital marketing coordinator at Harrogate Town, too, Mewis counts some of his best career moments as being in the iconic Spygate press conference under Marcelo Bielsa and seeing his beloved Leeds lift the Championship trophy during lockdown.With contributions fromEd McCambridgeStaff Writer
