Harry Maguire is back in the England squad for the first time in two years, but the Manchester United defender is still facing a significant battle to force his way to the World Cup
Thomas Tuchel is ready to give John Stones a sick note until the World Cup. But Tuchel then warned Harry Maguire is still well down the pecking order for places on the plane to the United States this summer.
Stones, who will be 32 in May, has managed just four Premier League starts this season and missed England’s friendly win with Uruguay after suffering yet another injury blow.
However, England boss Tuchel is willing to make an exception for “ world class” Stones despite his injury issues because he is such a big fan of the Manchester City centre half.
That flies in the face of Manchester United defender Maguire with Tuchel insisting he is at least FIFTH in line behind Stones, Ezri Konsa, Marc Guehi and even Chelsea ’s crocked centre half Trevoh Chalobah who could be out injured for another month.
Tuchel said on Stones: “He's obviously very upset and at the moment he gets my full support because it helps him more than putting more pressure. He was ready to play for City in the last weeks. He was ready to play.
“He played in the Champions League and he played in the FA Cup, but he was not used in the league. But he played enough for me to be important for us. So strong in training again, like every time I see him. I think he's a world-class player.
“But he has a lot of credit in the bank with me. So let's hope that he gets fit because it's most important that he finds his confidence.
“What is the exception? I don't know yet, but if you come to the World Cup you should be fit.
“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.”
Maguire will stay with the England camp until Tuesday’s friendly with Japan after winning his first cap since September 2024 against Uruguay.
The United centre half earned plaudits for his performance against Uruguay but has been left in no doubt that he is down the queue for places.
Tuchel added: “I got exactly what I thought. To be honest, yeah. Solid, solid central defender play. 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 Trevoh Chalobah on the level of mobility was slightly ahead of him.
“Also John Stones but he had injuries so he needed to come in 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.”