Thomas Tuchel believes Manchester United’s Harry Maguire is behind 4 other defenders within the pecking order for England’s World Cup squad.
Maguire had not played for England since September 2024 before he returned to the squad this week and starting within the 1-1 draw with Uruguay at Wembley on Friday night.
The 33-year-old has impressed in United’s defence since Michael Carrick took over as manager at Old Trafford in January.
But Tuchel feels Manchester City duo Marc Guehi and John Stones, Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa, and Chelsea’s Trevoh Chalobah are all ahead of Maguire ahead of this summer’s tournament.
‘I got exactly what I believed, solid, solid central defender play,’ Tuchel said when asked about Maguire’s performance against Uruguay.
‘That’s what he does. Superb on the ball, very calm, strong within the air and within the weapon for set-pieces.
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‘I haven’t modified my mind but I see other players I like to begin for us, I see other players ahead with a unique profile.
‘I see Ezri Konsa ahead, I see Marc Guehi ahead. It’s no secret. I see Trevoh Chalobah on the extent of mobility was barely ahead of him.
‘Also John Stones, but he had injuries, so he needed to return to camp.
‘I needed to satisfy him in person to see how he acts throughout the group. It’ll be interesting now to see how he acts throughout the group. He’ll stick with us.
‘Like I said, he has an asset, after all, that he may also be super vital in a tournament, in knockout football, in defending a lead and chasing a game with crosses and long throw-ins and set-pieces.’
Asked if Maguire can be in England’s World Cup squad if it was named now, Tuchel replied: ‘If, if, if. We don’t must name the squad tomorrow. He did a superb game.
‘He did what he does for Man United. He did it right away. I’m very glad with him. To be honest, I haven’t modified my mind. I got all the things I expected from him.
‘If I actually have to call it tomorrow, we’ve lots of injuries, he might be in it. Who else can be there within the centre of defence?’
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