Harry Maguire's place in England's World Cup has been placed into doubt with contrasting reports on how his retrial in Greece will impact his chances in travelling to this summer's tournament
Trevoh Chalobah, Harry Maguire and Jarrad Branthwaite
England are not short of options at centre-back this summer
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Manchester United and England defender Harry Maguire's retrial in Greece has gone ahead as he aims to overturn a conviction of assaulting a police officer and attempted bribery. The incident happened on the Greek island of Syros, where Maguire and his family were on holiday in 2020.
The United star was not required to attend the hearing, though he has been handed a 15-month suspended sentence. Maguire was charged with non-serious assault, resisting arrest and attempted bribery, with the Greek courts finding him guilty on all three counts.
Maguire's legal team are planning to appeal the verdict. Following the news of the retrial, reports have suggested the 32-year-old faces uncertainty over his spot in England's World Cup squad.
The Sun have reported that his place in Thomas Tuchel's squad hangs in the balance due to him being required to declare the conviction to obtain a visa for the north America tournament. However, other reports have suggested there are no travel restrictions on the defender.
It remains to be seen whether Maguire's legal situation will place him outside of Tuchel's plans. Fortunately for England, there are a number of centre-backs available for selection to replace the United ace if needed.
Harry Maguire
Harry Maguire has been a regular for the England national team since 2018(Image: Getty Images)
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Marc Guehi
Marc Guehi is the first-choice central defender for England ahead of the World Cup. After a fine spell at Crystal Palace, the 25-year-old's move to Manchester City has only cemented his claim for a spot on the plane.
At the last European Championships, Guehi was one of the Three Lions' best performers and he's only improved. Who partners him in Tuchel's defence is currently the pressing question mark.
Ezri Konsa
The Aston Villa defender is enjoying a stellar season and with only 17 caps, will fancy joining Guehi in defence. Konsa played three times at Euro 2024, but his displays with Villa have made him many people's preferred partner for Guehi.
Maguire's absence would give him a clearer path to starting at the World Cup. Since Tuchel came in, the 28-year-old has seven games, missing just two games.
Trevoh Chalobah
Another player who will fancy his chances to represent England at the World Cup is Chelsea's Trevoh Chalobah. Following his difficult time at Stamford Bridge, which saw him loaned to Crystal Palace and then recalled, he has now established himself as a regular Premier League player.
Thomas Tuchel and Trveoh Chalobah
Thomas Tuchel and Trveoh Chalobah worked together at Chelsea(Image: 2021 Getty Images)
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Tuchel will be aware of his quality after working with him during his time at the club. After proving his quality with Chelsea, at centre-back and right-back at times, the 26-year-old could be a wildcard option to replace Maguire.
Jarell Quansah
On the subject of wildcard, Bayer Leverkusen's Jarell Quansah is a shout that Tuchel may consider. Playing out of England means the spotlight hasn't been on him, but since joining from Liverpool, the England Under-21s international has gone under the radar.
In November, he made his international senior debut in Albania after being named on the bench on eight occasions. At 23, the Warrington-born centre-back could be used as a squad filler if someone replaces Maguire.
Dan Burn
One of the things that makes Dan Burn such an attractive option for England this summer is his ability to be able to play at left-back and centre-back. With Newcastle, he's done a job at both and is someone Eddie Howe favours.
However, whilst Maguire is hardly bathing with blistering pace, the Three Lions would lose more ability to play a high line with Burn at the back. Uncertainty over Luke Shaw's fitness means the 6ft 7in Burn is likely to be favoured as a full-back.
John Stones
John Stones has been a regular within the England set-up since 2016, earning 87 caps. However, since the Euro final defeat to Spain, injuries have forced him to miss plenty of football.
John Stones
John Stones' minutes over the last year have been limited to injuries(Image: PA)
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One thing that does work in his favour is that he's a trusted player that Tuchel can trust. He's started the last four England games, but he's been struggling for minutes with Manchester City since returning from his latest setback.
Jarrad Branthwaite
When Gareth Southgate made the tough decision to exclude Jarrad Branthwaite out of the Euro squad in 2024, it felt like the World Cup would be the perfect chance for him to become the next defensive general for the national team.
He was impressive for Everton last season, but he's played just seven times for his club this term. A hamstring injury forced him to miss the first five months of the campaign, but performances in 2026 have provided a glimpse of what he could offer.
Joe Gomez
Another versatile defender who will be hoping he is within Tuchel's ideas is Joe Gomez. The 28-year-old has never enjoyed a run in the national team, despite being so consistently reliable for Liverpool.
He was part of the Euro squad in the summer of 2024 but has not been called-up by Tuchel. He can play at full-back, meaning he could be a player used to fill two positions in the summer.
Ben White
The most rogue shout is Ben White. His association with England has been dominated by the fall-out from 2022, when he reportedly left the team's camp in Qatar due to a disagreement with Steve Holland.
However, with the Three Lions under new management, White could be offered a route back into the squad. His only issue is that his minutes with Arsenal are no guaranteed, when he's fit.
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