Tuchel names four centre-backs ahead of Maguire

England manager Thomas Tuchel has indicated Harry Maguire is still at least fifth in his central-defender pecking order for the World Cup despite the Manchester United defender's strong return to the national side. Maguire captained the second half of Friday's 1-1 friendly with Uruguay, producing a composed display: calm on the ball, strong in the air and a threat from set-pieces and long throws.

Tuchel said he liked what he saw from Maguire but identified four players he currently prefers to start: Ezri Konsa, Marc Guehi, Trevoh Chalobah — praised for his mobility — and John Stones. Tuchel noted Maguire's clear value, especially in knockout scenarios where his aerial threat and experience can help defend leads or chase games, but added that other defenders have profiles better suited to his preferred starting lineup.

Tuchel also suggested Maguire could still be included in the final squad if selection were made immediately, particularly if injuries forced changes. Sky Sports analysis of the Uruguay match highlighted Maguire's influence on both ends, including a 70-yard pass to Jarrod Bowen and a last-ditch block in injury time, and noted his tournament experience and familiarity with the England setup as factors in his World Cup case.

John Stones missed the Uruguay match after feeling his calf in training and has returned to Manchester City for treatment. He will also sit out Tuesday's friendly with Japan. Tuchel described Stones as "world class" with credit in the bank for his understanding of the game and his personality, suggesting the veteran may be handled differently because of his proven level, even though he has struggled for consistent club minutes this season.

The FA confirmed several players left the England camp ahead of the Japan match: Aaron Ramsdale, Fikayo Tomori, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Adam Wharton, Noni Madueke, Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka.

England face Japan at Wembley on Tuesday (7.45pm), Tuchel's final chance to assess players in an international friendly before he names his World Cup squad. England will then play warm-up games against New Zealand and Costa Rica ahead of their World Cup opener against Croatia on June 17.