Harry Maguire has returned to the England squad for the first time in two years, but the Manchester United defender still faces a crucial battle to qualify for the World Cup.
Harry Maguire returned to the England squad during the draw with Uruguay at Wembley
Manager Thomas Tuchel is prepared to inform John Stones of his illness until the World Cup. But Tuchel has warned that Harry Maguire is still far down the pecking order for seats on flights to the United States this summer.
Stones, who turns 32 in May, has started just four Premier League games this season, suffering a further injury and missing England’s friendly win against Uruguay.
However, England manager Tuchel is a big fan of the Manchester City centre-half and is willing to make an exception for the ‘world-class’ Stones despite his injury problems.
This flew right under the noses of Manchester United defender Maguire, who insisted Tuchel was at least fifth in line behind Stones, Ezri Konsa, Marc Guehi and even Chelsea’s derelict centre-half Trevaux Chalobah, who could be out for another month with injury.
Tuchel said of Stones: “He’s obviously very upset but he has my full support at the moment because it helps rather than putting pressure on him. He was ready to play for City in the last few weeks. He was ready to play.”
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“He played in the Champions League, he played in the FA Cup, but he wasn’t used in the league. But he played enough for me to be important for us. Every time I see him, he’s also very strong in training. I think he’s a world-class player.”
“But he has a lot of credit in me and in the bank. So let’s hope he gets healthy because the most important thing is for him to find his confidence.
“What’s the exception? I don’t know yet, but if I come to the World Cup I’ll be in good shape.
“So the exception to the rule means he won’t start that many times. I understand that because I’m a big fan and I know what he brings to the team in terms of character, attitude and quality understanding of the game.”
John Stones’ playing time was limited to injury last year (Image: PA)
Maguire will remain in England camp until Tuesday’s friendly against Japan after earning his first cap since September 2024 against Uruguay.
The United centre-half drew plaudits for his performance against Uruguay, but there is no doubt he will miss out on a place.
Tuchel added: “It was exactly as I expected. To be honest, yes. A solid, stable central defender. That’s his job. He’s very good on the ball, very calm, strong in the air and has set-piece weapons.”
“I haven’t changed my mind, but there are other players who could be starters, there are other players with a different profile. I see Ezri Konsa first, I see Marc Guehi first. It’s no secret. I think Trevo Chalobah was slightly ahead in terms of mobility.”
Manager Thomas Tuchel said there are many players above Maguire in the pecking order (Image: ITV Football)
“Like John Stones, he had an injury so he had to come to camp. We needed to see him in person to see how he behaves within the group. It will be interesting now to see how he behaves within the group. He will remain with us.”
“As I said, he has his strengths. Of course he can play a very important role in tournaments, knockout football, defending leads and chasing the game with crosses, long throw-ins and set-pieces.”
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