Thomas Tuchel reveals Harry Maguire’s position in England defence priorities

After years of falling down the pecking order at Manchester United, Harry Maguire is once again proving the doubters wrong by stepping up to the plate when it matters the most.

The 65-cap England international arrived at Old Trafford in 2019 for a deal worth £80 million – a world-record transfer fee for a defender – and instantly became a first-team player.

Since, he’s hit some highs and some lows in a Red Devils strip.

A winner of the League Cup (in 2022/23) and the FA Cup a year later, Maguire has had to ride the wave of adversity at points and that was despite him shining on the international stage.

Maguire was one of Gareth Southgate’s non-negotiable picks and after making his England debut in 2017, he’s been included in the majority of squads.

That was until 2024 when his club appearances – thanks to the formidable partnership of Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane – started to decline.

Under Thomas Tuchel, the centre-back has been given a fresh start in terms of reviving his hopes of going to the 2026 World Cup and was called up alongside teammate Kobbie Mainoo for the March international break.

Stationed alongside Fikayo Tomori, he started in the heart of England’s defence in their 1-1 draw with Uruguay and lasted the entire 90 minutes, earning praise from the media as a result.

Tuchel, however, has come out to suggest that there are four other central defenders who are currently a step ahead of the 33-year-old. Per Manchester Evening News, the Three Lions boss said:

“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.”

John Stones, Maguire’s partner at previous competitions, was also named by the former Bayern Munich and Chelsea manager.

“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.”

Harry Maguire is one of the most seasoned defenders at Tuchel’s disposal and it would be a shame to see him not be given the chance to prove his worth, yet again, as a leader on the international stage.

In 2025/26, the former Leicester City man has proved himself to be a more-than-useful member of the United squad when fit. In the Carrick era, in fact, he has started every match possible.