Thomas Tuchel reveals England centre-back hierarchy as injured Chelsea star pips Harry Maguire

In partnership with

Evening Standard

·28. März 2026

Thomas Tuchel reveals England centre-back hierarchy as injured Chelsea star pips Harry Maguire

Defender impressed in Uruguay win but may not have made squad if not for injuries elsewhere

Thomas Tuchel has admitted Chelsea’s Trevoh Chalobah is ahead of Harry Maguire in England’s centre-back pecking order.

Maguire made his first appearance for England since September 2024 on Friday night, where he was arguably their best player in a flat 1-1 friendly draw with Uruguay at Wembley.

Tuchel named an enlarged 35-man squad for friendlies against Uruguay and Japan as he searches for clarity over who to select in his final 26-man squad for the tournament.

After the Uruguay match, Tuchel said he “could see” why there might be a perception that John Stones is an exception to the rule that players must be starting for their clubs to make the final squad.

Stones has not started for Manchester City in the Premier League between the November international break and his appearance against Uruguay, but Tuchel said: “I'm a big fan and I know what he brings to the team in terms of personality, attitude and quality game understanding.”

‘Solid’: Harry Maguire impressed against Uruguay

OneFootball Videos

Getty Images

The England head coach continued, describing Maguire as a “solid defender” who is “very good on the ball, very calm, strong in the air and a weapon from set-pieces”.

But then the German went on to list other centre-backs he sees as ahead of Maguire in their pursuit of a World Cup place, including Chelsea defender Chalobah, handed his first cap by Tuchel last June and close to a call-up this month before suffering an ankle injury.

“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,” Tuchel said.

“I see Ezri Konsa ahead, I see Marc Guehi ahead. It's no secret. I see Trevoh Chalobah, on the level of mobility, as slightly ahead of him.

“Also John Stones, but he had injuries so he needed to come in camp.

Trevoh Chalobah is sidelined after suffering a high ankle sprain against Paris Saint-Germain

AFP via Getty Images

“I needed to meet him [Maguire] 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 [for the Japan game on Tuesday]. 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.”

Tuchel would not be drawn on whether Maguire would make the squad if he had to name it this month, but joked: “We have a lot of injuries. Who else would be there in the centre?”