John Stones Wins Starting Spot Over Marc Guehi for England

England's World Cup campaign is underway, and Thomas Tuchel has made a significant decision: John Stones will start over Marc Guehi against Croatia.

What led to this decision?

Tuchel's choice may seem surprising, given Guehi's strong form and Stones' injury history, but it's based on a key factor: set pieces. John Stones is ranked in the top 1% globally for heading ability, according to Machine Football's model, making him a vital asset for England's dead-ball situations.

The numbers behind the decision

In the 2025-26 season, Stones played 1144 minutes, with 4.25 clearances per 90 minutes, and a duel success rate of 78.9%, outperforming Guehi in key areas. Guehi, on the other hand, has a 48th percentile ranking for defensive headers among centre-backs, a significant gap between the two potential starters.

Why set pieces matter

Tuchel has emphasized the importance of set pieces in England's World Cup approach, and with Declan Rice averaging 4.51 corners per 90 during qualifying, Stones' aerial ability will be crucial. England's set piece plan is already in place, with Bukayo Saka's potential start adding to the team's delivery options.

What comes next for John Stones?

With his starting spot secured, John Stones will look to make a significant impact in England's World Cup campaign, and his performance against Croatia will be closely watched. Stones has always been a tremendous talent, and for many, he is England's best centre-back of the last 15 years, but he will need to deliver on the pitch to justify Tuchel's decision. The stage is set for John Stones to prove himself as a key player for England, and his aerial ability will be a major factor in the team's success.