Manager admits the Manchester United centre-back ranks fifth in the pecking order
Thomas Tuchel has said that Harry Maguire remains outside his preferred central defensive options despite the defender’s strong showing in England’s 1-1 friendly draw with Uruguay.
Maguire featured for the first time under Tuchel, and the first time for England since September 2024, captaining the side in the second half and delivering a composed performance. However, England’s manager suggested the display has not changed the current pecking order.
“I got exactly what I thought, solid, solid central-defender play,” Tuchel said. “That’s what he does. Very good on the ball, very calm, strong in the air and in the weapon for set-pieces.
“I haven’t changed my mind. I see other players I like to start for us, I see other players ahead with a different profile. I see Ezri Konsa ahead, I see Marc Guehi ahead. It’s no secret. I see Trevoh Chalobah on the level of mobility was slightly ahead of him. Also John Stones, but he had injuries, so he needed to come to camp.
“I needed to meet him in person to see how he acts within the group. It will be interesting now to see how he acts within the group.
“Like I said, he has an asset, of course, that he can also be super important in a tournament, in knockout football, in defending a lead and chasing a game with crosses and long throw-ins and set-pieces.”
But if Tuchel were to name an official 26-man list for the World Cup today, would Maguire be in it?
“If, if, if,” said the England manager. “We don’t need to name the squad tomorrow. He did a good game. He did what he does for Man Utd. He did it straight away. I’m very happy with him. To be honest, I haven’t changed my mind. I got everything I expected from him.
“If I have to name it tomorrow, we have a lot of injuries, he could be in it. Who else would be there in the centre of defence?”
