Tuchel Prefers Four Centre-Backs Over Maguire for England Squad
Thomas Tuchel indicated Harry Maguire remains at least the fifth-choice centre-back for England. Maguire produced a strong half for his country in the 1-1 friendly with Uruguay. The manager praised his aerial strength and calmness on the ball.
Maguire’s return to the England side
Maguire came on for the second half and wore the captain’s armband. He threatened the opposition box with headers and played precise long passes. He also made a last-gasp block to prevent a late goal.
Tuchel’s assessment and the pecking order
Tuchel acknowledged Maguire’s clear strengths on set-pieces and in the air. But he said other centre-backs better match his preferred profiles for starts.
He named Ezri Konsa and Marc Guehi as ahead of Maguire. Trevoh Chalobah was also considered slightly ahead on mobility. John Stones was mentioned too, despite recent fitness problems. Observers summed up the manager’s stance as: Tuchel Prefers Four Centre-Backs Over Maguire for England Squad.
Stones’ fitness and selection question
John Stones felt his calf in training and did not play against Uruguay. The defender returned to Manchester City for treatment and will miss the Japan friendly. Stones has made only five club appearances since the November internationals.
Tuchel said Stones has “credit in the bank” and described him as world class. He suggested an exception might be made if Stones arrives fit for the World Cup.
Squad changes and the run-up to the World Cup
The Football Association confirmed several players left camp ahead of the Japan friendly. Those departures reduce the options available to Tuchel for the immediate fixtures.
- Aaron Ramsdale
- Fikayo Tomori
- Dominic Calvert-Lewin
- Adam Wharton
- Noni Madueke
- Declan Rice
- Bukayo Saka
England host Japan at Wembley on Tuesday with a 7.45pm kick-off. That match is the final full international chance before the squad is named at the end of the season. Friendly games with New Zealand and Costa Rica will follow as warm-ups.
The tournament opener sees England face Croatia on June 17. Tuchel will use the remaining fixtures to finalise his decisions.
