- Manchester United’s Harry Maguire was subbed on for 1-0 loss against Japan
- Tuchel claimed defender is fifth-choice for England
- Came close to equalising for England on Tuesday evening
England boss Thomas Tuchel has some serious thinking to do after England’s 1-0 loss to Japan on Tuesday evening. It marked Tuchel’s second loss as England boss.
Brighton’s Kaoru Mitoma gave Japan the lead in the 23rd minute and England provided no response. Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo started the game, marking his return to the international scene. Similarly, Harry Maguire came on as an 83rd minute substitute for Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa.
Last week, Tuchel had extraordinarily described that Maguire is currently the fifth-choice centre back for England heading into this summer’s World Cup.
Fifth Choice Despite Bright Cameo
Speaking after England’s 1-1 draw after Uruguay, Tuchel was directly asked about Maguire’s performance against Uruguay.
He said: “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 to camp.”
Neither Chalobah or Stones featured for England on Wednesday due to fitness and injury concerns. Both are expected to make the final squad for the World Cup.
Against Japan, Maguire answered with his performance on the pitch. Despite only playing the closing stages of the game, it was no coincidence that the Three Lions came alive after the 33 year-old’s introduction.
The best chance of the game fell to Maguire, who almost scored with his first touch. A header was cleared off the line, as he provided commanding aerial threat as England looked to equalise. The former Leicester defender has scored twice for the Reds this season, highlighting his threat at both ends of the pitch.
There was no specific mention of Maguire in the aftermath of the Japan defeat, but the England boss may have been left ruing his previous words about the United defender.
Club Form Could Change Stance
Maguire has featured 20 times for United this season. He missed nine consecutive games between November and January, but has been a regular in the team under Michael Carrick. Injuries to Matthijs De Ligt and Lisandro Martinez have meant that sometimes Maguire has been the sole experienced head in the nucleus of United’s defence this season.
Maguire will not feature for the Red Devils against Leeds United on 13 April. After being sent off against AFC Bournemouth, the defender will be suspended for one match.
However, he will still have six more games to close out his season at Old Trafford in the best fashion. Maguire will slot into the starting eleven upon serving his suspension. It gives him the best chance to help United secure a top four finish, who currently sit in third place.
The defender’s performances this season have helped him to reportedly secure a new one-year extension with the Red Devils.
England are expected to have two more fixtures before the World Cup in North America kicks off. It provides Tuchel with some time to experiment with players further.
Given his resurgence in form, Maguire’s name should be one of the first names on his team-sheet. Moreover, he is one of England’s most experienced names in the squad. His recall to the side is a testament to his talent, which has come into question over the last few years too.
