Villa star name-checked as England boss lists defensive options.
England boss Thomas Tuchel has confirmed he currently sees Ezri Konsa among his top-four centre-backs in a boost to the Villa star’s World Cup hopes.
Tuchel name-checked Konsa while appearing to deliver a big blow to Harry Maguire’s chances, by insisting the Manchester United man is still at best his fifth choice for the heart of defence.
Maguire looked to have strengthened his case for being on the plane to North America in the summer as he delivered a commanding performance on his return to the national team set-up in Friday’s 1-1 friendly draw with Uruguay.
It was his first appearance under Tuchel and he played the second half as captain in a polished display that has characterised his England career.
But while the German acknowledged Maguire’s strengths, he said that he remains behind Konsa, Marc Guehi, John Stones and the injured Trevoh Chalobah in the pecking order.
“I got exactly what I thought, solid, solid central defender play,” he 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 but 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. He will stay with us.
“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.”
Asked whether he would be in the squad if it had to be named now, Tuchel said: “If, if, if. We don’t need to name the squad tomorrow. He did a good game.
“He did what he does for Man United. 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?”
Konsa was not included in the matchday squad for Friday’s draw but is expected to be involved in Tuesday’s match against Japan, along with Villa team-mate Morgan Rogers.
In addition to John Stones’ withdrawal due to injury, the Football Association said Aaron Ramsdale, Fikayo Tomori, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Adam Wharton, Noni Madueke, Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka were leaving the camp before the Japan match at Wembley.
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