World Cup 2026: News in the English team - Stones should start
According to Bbc.
Context
Marc Guehi, a Manchester City player, is a key player in the English team's defense. His recovery from injury and combination with Stones are expected to provide defensive security, especially with the pressure of a decisive game in the 2026 World Cup semi-finals.
Why this matters
Marc Guehi's presence in the English team's defense is crucial, especially at such an advanced stage of the 2026 World Cup. His recovery and partnership with John Stones could strengthen England's defensive line, which faces a strong opponent like Norway, led by Erling Haaland, one of the tournament's top scorers.
Main conclusions
- World Cup 2026: News in the English Team - Stones should start.
- The English team is preparing for the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup, with Marc Guehi recovering from his injury and being an important presence in defense alongside John Stones.
- Marc Guehi remains central to England's plans.
Marc Guehi managed to recover in time and should start in defense for the English team during the 2026 World Cup semi-final against Norway, alongside John Stones, who returns to the starting lineup. Manchester City defender Guehi suffered a slight muscle strain in his thigh during the victory over Mexico and missed some training this week, but is expected to be released to play in the central position of the English defense.
Guehi and Stones will form a central duo, with Stones once again called up to the starting eleven for the first time since the opening game against Croatia. Ezri Konsa, who played as a central defender, should be moved to the right-back position. Declan Rice, who faced a health problem that limited his participation in training, is fit to start the match. Noni Madueke is expected to start instead of Bukayo Saka, which also suggests a change in the starting lineup.
Reece James, who has recovered from a thigh injury and returned to training, is expected to be on the bench, as is Djed Spence, another full-back. The choice of Stones and Guehi represents a central defense from Manchester City, who will face his teammate Erling Haaland, who has already scored seven goals in the World Cup, one more than Harry Kane. Stones left City earlier this month after his contract expired.
The 32-year-old has been a bench option in all of England's games since the match against Croatia. However, he played an important role against Mexico, coming on in the 57th minute after Jarell Quansah was sent off.
While the reasons for Madueke's selection are unclear, Saka has been managed throughout the tournament due to an Achilles tendonitis problem that has affected him since March. This week, the Arsenal winger said he would have loved to have reached the tournament 100% fit, but that he has been managed "in the best possible way" and is feeling "great and ready to play".
The expected starting line-up for England is as follows: Pickford, Konsa, Guehi, Stones, O'Reilly, Anderson, Rice, Madueke, Gordon, Bellingham, Kane.
What happens next
With Guehi and Stones forming the centre-back duo, England will hope to provide a solid defense against Norway. Furthermore, the inclusion of Noni Madueke in the starting eleven suggests a more offensive approach, which could be decisive for the outcome of the game in the 2026 World Cup semi-finals.
Frequently asked questions
What happened to Marc Guehi?
Marc Guehi managed to recover from a slight muscle strain and should be a starter in defense for the English team.
Who confirmed that John Stones will start the game?
The information that John Stones will start the game alongside Marc Guehi was released in the context of the preparation of the English team.
Why is Stones' presence in the team important now?
John Stones is once again called up to the starting eleven for the first time since the opening game against Croatia, which is crucial for England's defense.
What are the changes to the formation of the England team?
Noni Madueke should start instead of Bukayo Saka, and Ezri Konsa should be moved to the right-back position.
What is known about Declan Rice's condition?
Declan Rice faced a health problem that limited his participation in training, but he is in a position to start alongside
taken.