Thomas Tuchel has revealed he sees four central defenders ahead of Harry Maguire in the England pecking order for the World Cup, despite the 33-year-old’s standout performance in Friday’s 1-1 draw with Uruguay.
The German delivered a scathing assessment of Maguire’s chances of making the plane for this summer’s tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico, suggesting he may only feature if injuries affect other players.
Maguire was handed his first England call-up in over a year for March’s camp, and his first under Tuchel, who is preparing for his maiden major tournament in charge of the Three Lions.
Tuchel Issues Warning to Harry Maguire
England manager Thomas Tuchel at a press conference.
Speaking to the media following Friday’s 1-1 draw with Uruguay, Tuchel listed Ezri Konsa, Marc Guehi, Trevoh Chalobah and John Stones as four centre-backs ahead of Maguire in his thinking. The German said:
“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 (Maguire) needed to come in 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. He will stay with us. He has an asset that 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.”
Maguire has been a constant presence in United’s defence this season, starting every Premier League match since Michael Carrick’s appointment as interim head coach in January.
As a result, the 33-year-old defender has been offered a contract extension at Old Trafford and remains in talks over a new deal, with his current terms set to run out in June.
With 65 appearances for England, Maguire is the seventh most-capped player in the 35-man squad Tuchel selected for March’s international break.
The central defender has represented the Three Lions in three major tournaments and was forced to miss Euro 2024 with a calf injury.
Djed Spence Slammed After England vs Uruguay
Djed Spence
England fans were unhappy with Djed Spence after the Tottenham Hotspur defender was seen chewing gum during the national anthem on Friday.
The 25-year-old was criticised for not singing the anthem, with some suggesting he “shouldn’t represent” England for his actions at Wembley.
Spence was fielded at left-back in Friday’s contest and spent 69 minutes on the pitch before being substituted for Ben White, who was booed on his return to international football.
Spence has been a versatile option for Tuchel in his four appearances for England so far, featuring twice on each side of the defence.
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