England boss Thomas Tuchel has suggested Harry Maguire remains at least the fifth-choice centre-back for the World Cup despite the Manchester United defender’s strong return to the national team.
Maguire came back into the England fold on Friday, captaining the second half of the 1-1 friendly draw with Uruguay and producing a composed, authoritative performance. He was calm on the ball, strong in the air and offered a threat from set-pieces and long throws — the sort of display that has often defined his England career.
Still, Tuchel said he has other defenders he prefers to start, naming Ezri Konsa and Marc Guehi specifically and adding Trevoh Chalobah — whose mobility he rates highly — and John Stones ahead of Maguire in his pecking order. “I got exactly what I thought, solid, solid central-defender play,” Tuchel said, praising Maguire’s qualities. “I haven’t changed my mind, but I see other players I like to start for us, I see other players ahead with a different profile.”
Tuchel reiterated that while Maguire’s attributes make him valuable — especially in knockout football for defending a lead or chasing a game with crosses and set-pieces — he still views others as having profiles better suited to his starting lineup. Asked whether Maguire would be in the squad if it had to be named immediately, Tuchel said the defender had done a good game and could be included if selections were made amid injuries.
John Stones did not feature against Uruguay after feeling his calf in training and has been sent back to Manchester City for treatment; he will also miss Tuesday’s friendly with Japan. Stones has struggled for consistent club minutes this season but Tuchel described him as “world class” with “credit in the bank” for what he brings in game understanding, personality and attitude, and said he might be treated differently because of his proven level.
The FA confirmed several players left the England camp before the Japan match: Aaron Ramsdale, Fikayo Tomori, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Adam Wharton, Noni Madueke, Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka.
Sky Sports analysis noted Maguire looked as if he had never been away on his first start since 2024, contributing defensively and offensively — including a long 70-yard pass to Jarrod Bowen and a last-ditch block in injury time. His tournament experience and familiarity with the England setup were highlighted as factors that strengthen his case for a place in the 26-man World Cup squad.
England face Japan in a friendly at Wembley on Tuesday (7.45pm), Tuchel’s last opportunity to assess his players in the international arena before naming his World Cup squad. England then play warm-up matches against New Zealand and Costa Rica ahead of their World Cup opener against Croatia on June 17.