Defensive concerns in England's opening win
England kicked off their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a hard-fought victory over Croatia, but the performance left former striker Clinton Morrison with more questions than answers. While the result was positive, the defensive display raised serious doubts about the Three Lions' ability to go all the way.
Speaking after the match, Morrison did not hold back in his assessment, warning that tougher opponents will ruthlessly exploit the same weaknesses.
"Better teams will cause England problems," Morrison warned. "The way they defended at times was all over the place. You can't give chances like that against the top nations."
England's backline appeared unsettled throughout, with lapses in concentration and a lack of cohesion that a side with title aspirations simply cannot afford.
Tuchel's Guehi gamble questioned
One of the biggest talking points was Marc Guehi's absence from the starting lineup. The Crystal Palace defender had been a mainstay under Gareth Southgate, and Morrison was shocked to see him left on the bench by manager Thomas Tuchel.
"I was surprised Thomas Tuchel didn't start Marc Guehi," Morrison stated bluntly. "For me, he's been one of England's most reliable centre-backs. He brings composure and leadership. Leaving him out was a big call and it almost backfired."
Tuchel instead opted for a different partnership, but the unfamiliarity showed. Morrison believes Guehi's organizational skills could have prevented many of the chaotic moments England endured.
What does this mean for England's trophy hopes?
Morrison's verdict is clear: England have the talent to win the World Cup, but only if defensive issues are addressed swiftly. The win over Croatia papers over cracks that will be exposed by more clinical sides later in the tournament.
"It's great to get three points, but the performance wasn't convincing," he added. "Against the likes of Brazil or France, those mistakes will be punished. Tuchel needs to find the right balance quickly."
With group stage games remaining, England have time to fine-tune, but the pressure is on Tuchel to make the right decisions before it's too late.
Key Takeaways
- England's defensive performance against Croatia was plagued by disorganization and errors.
- Clinton Morrison believes better teams will punish similar lapses in upcoming matches.
- He was surprised Marc Guehi did not start, calling the centre-back one of England's most reliable defenders.
- The win keeps England on track, but improvement is needed to be genuine World Cup contenders.
Quick Facts
Match: England vs Croatia
Competition: 2026 FIFA World Cup
Key pundit: Clinton Morrison
Controversy: Marc Guehi's omission from starting XI