TUCHEL DROPS HARRY MAGUIRE TO FIFTH-CHOICE CENTRE-BACK AHEAD OF WORLD CUP
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Agency Report
England manager Thomas Tuchel has indicated that Harry Maguire would only be his fifth-choice centre-back, dealing a major blow to the Manchester United defender’s hopes of securing a place at the upcoming World Cup.
Tuchel handed Maguire his first England start in 18 months during Friday’s 1-1 friendly draw against Uruguay at Wembley, where the 33-year-old delivered a solid performance. Maguire has previously featured in three major tournaments for England and earned 65 caps.
Speaking after the match, Tuchel praised Maguire’s qualities, describing him as “very good on the ball, very calm, strong in the air and a weapon for set-pieces.” However, he stressed that other players were ahead of Maguire in his pecking order.
“I see Ezri Konsa ahead, I see Marc Guehi 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,” Tuchel said.
Tuchel added that the Friday game allowed him to observe Maguire within the group, noting that he will remain part of the squad for the moment. Maguire has one final chance to strengthen his World Cup claim when England host Japan in another friendly at Wembley on Tuesday.
Despite being behind in the pecking order, Tuchel acknowledged Maguire’s professionalism and performance, saying: “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.”
Manchester City defender John Stones, absent against Uruguay due to a calf injury, has only played five times for his club since the November international break but remains highly rated by Tuchel, who described him as “world class” with “credit in the bank.”
England will name their 26-man squad for the World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada after the upcoming friendlies and warm-up matches in June.
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