Thomas Tuchel names four centre-backs ahead of Harry Maguire in pecking order

England boss Thomas Tuchel has appeared to deliver a big blow to Harry Maguire’s World Cup chances by insisting he is still at least the fifth-choice centre-back.

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.

The German acknowledged the Manchester United defender’s strengths, but said that he remains behind Ezri 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 Trevor 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.”

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