Thomas Tuchel Casts Doubt Over Harry Maguire's England World Cup Hopes

Wembley — Harry Maguire’s hopes of boarding the plane to North America for this summer’s World Cup have been thrown into fresh doubt after England head coach Thomas Tuchel reiterated that the 31-year-old remains no higher than fifth in the central-defensive pecking order.

Maguire’s first appearance under Tuchel offered a reminder of his enduring qualities, the Manchester United captain introduced at half-time and marshalling the back line with composure during Friday’s 1-1 friendly draw with Uruguay. Awarded the armband for the second period, the veteran produced the kind of commanding display that has underpinned his 63-cap international career, breaking up play, dominating aerially and helping England protect a slender lead until a late Uruguayan equaliser.

Yet Tuchel, speaking immediately after the match, stopped short of promoting Maguire into the bracket of guaranteed travellers, instead listing four rivals he currently considers ahead of the 31-year-old.

“I got exactly what I thought, solid, solid central-defender play,” the German said. “That’s what he does. Very good on the ball, very calm, strong in the air and a weapon for set pieces. I haven’t changed my mind but I see other players I like to start for us, other players ahead with a different profile.”

Pressed to name those currently in front of Maguire, Tuchel replied: “I see Ezri Konsa ahead, I see Marc Guéhi ahead. It’s no secret. I see Trevoh Chalobah — on the level of mobility — slightly ahead of him. Also John Stones, but he had injuries, so he needed to come to camp.”

The frank assessment leaves Maguire on the periphery of Tuchel’s provisional thinking, even accounting for the raft of defensive injuries that have hit the squad. When asked whether the former Sheffield United loanee would make a hypothetical 26-man squad named tomorrow, Tuchel offered a non-committal answer.

“If, if, if. We don’t need to name the squad tomorrow. He had 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?”

Tuchel did, however, leave the door ajar by acknowledging Maguire’s tournament-specific value. “Like I said, he is 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.”

The England boss faces similar deliberations over John Stones, who sat out the Uruguay contest after tightening a calf muscle in training. The Manchester City defender has featured only five times for his club since November and continues to battle for consistent minutes. Nevertheless, Tuchel hinted that Stones’ vast experience and “world-class” game intelligence could earn special dispensation.

“He did not have a lot of minutes, but he has a level of game understanding,” Tuchel noted. “So the exception of the rule means that he does not start a lot. I can see that because I’m a big fan and I know what he brings to the team in terms of personality, attitude and quality game understanding.”

With the World Cup draw looming, Tuchel must balance fitness, form and tactical fit. For Maguire, Friday’s encouraging cameo may have enhanced his reputation inside the camp, yet the blunt hierarchy outlined by the England manager suggests the centre-back still faces an uphill battle to secure a seat on the summer journey.