Harry Maguire put in his place by Thomas Tuchel as England boss makes ruthless statement

Harry Maguire's World Cup hopes are now hanging by a thread

Thomas Tuchel has ruthlessly told Harry Maguire that he is England's fifth choice centre-back - leaving his World Cup 2026 hopes hanging by a thread. The Manchester United defender impressed as England drew 1-1 with Uruguay on Friday night.

But John Stones, Marc Guehi, Ezri Konsa and Trevoh Chalobah are all favoured to the experienced Maguire. The 33-year-old is not expected to feature when the Three Lions host Japan at Wembley on Tuesday but he will remain with the camp.

Managers usually keep their cards close to their chest, especially in public, when it comes to the pecking order. But Maguire has nosedived down Tuchel's list and the brutally-honest German coach has pulled no punches.

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"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," Tuchel said about Maguire.

"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.”

However, it is good news for City defender Stones, 31, who has struggled with a number of injuries this season. Tuchel is willing to make an exception to ensure the "world class" centre-back makes the cut.

"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," Tuchel added.

"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."