Guehi OUT: England ace pulls out before Croatia clash as Burn returns

Marc Guehi has withdrawn from the England squad due to injury on the opening day of the international break, according to The Independent ^[2]. The Manchester City centre-back was substituted at half-time during City’s 3-1 defeat at Nottingham Forest on Saturday, with manager Enzo Maresca confirming Guehi requested a change due to a hip problem.

Following scans, the defender was deemed unfit to join Thomas Tuchel’s camp and will remain with City. Newcastle’s Dan Burn has been called up in his place, joining the squad at Tottenham Hotspur’s training ground, as reported by the Mirror ^[1]. It marks Burn’s return to the senior team for the first time since the World Cup, having previously missed out through September and October.

The withdrawal is a significant concern for manager Thomas Tuchel, who relied on Guehi in all but one of England’s World Cup games and every Nations League fixture so far. Guehi had become Tuchel’s primary defensive choice, making his absence a tactical headache ahead of crucial matches. Maresca stated post-match that both Guehi and Josko Gvardiol had issues, forcing the substitutions.

England will host Croatia at Wembley on Thursday, 12 November, prior to their trip to Madrid to play World Cup winners Spain on Sunday, 15 November. These fixtures determine whether England can top their group and secure home advantage for next March’s play-offs. The Mirror noted that while fewer withdrawals are expected than in previous camps, Tuchel will conduct a full fitness roll call on Monday ^[1].

Tuchel has emphasised loyalty to players who remain in camp and perform on the training pitch. "The ones who walk the talk, and come to camp and show it matters and put the quality in. That's what we will always reward," the England boss said this week. He also highlighted new call-up Josh King as a versatile option who can cover multiple positions.

With Guehi unavailable, Tuchel’s centre-back options include Arsenal duo Ezri Konsa and Ben White, alongside Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite and Bayer Leverkusen’s Jarell Quansah. The situation highlights the fragility of the squad depth as England aim to secure results against both Croatia and Spain to advance in the Nations League.