Ex-England boss Sam Allardyce has warned Thomas Tuchel against pitting defender Marc Guehi against Norway’s Erling Haaland during the 2026 World Cup quarter-final this Saturday. Speaking to Metro, Allardyce expressed concerns that Guehi lacks the physical stature required to handle Haaland’s aerial prowess and strength in the penalty area.
Allardyce recommended that if Guehi remains in the starting eleven, defensive duties against the striker should shift to Ezri Konsa. However, he went a step further by suggesting that Tuchel should consider starting Newcastle’s Dan Burn to better neutralize the Manchester City star. While acknowledging the risk of disrupting his established lineup, Allardyce insisted the tactical shift is worth evaluating. Haaland has been in lethal form during his debut World Cup, tallying seven goals and one assist across four appearances.
