Marc Guehi, who was initially earmarked as a first-choice centre-back for England's World Cup 2026 campaign, has seen his starting position challenged.
He was notably benched for the recent fixture against Croatia, with manager Thomas Tuchel opting for a defensive pairing of John Stones and Ezri Konsa.
However, reports indicate that the performances of Stones and Konsa in that match did not fully inspire confidence, leading to renewed scrutiny of England's defensive capabilities.
This perceived lack of solidity in the backline has created an opportunity for Guehi to potentially re-enter the starting eleven.
With an important upcoming match against Ghana on Tuesday, the pressure is on for England to secure a strong result.
Sources suggest that Guehi's strong performances in training and his previous contributions have kept him in contention.
The dynamic nature of international squad selection means that players must maintain peak form to retain their places.
Guehi's situation exemplifies the intense competition for starting roles and the constant need for players to prove their worth on the global stage.