Harry Maguire made a notable return to the England team in their recent 1-1 draw with Uruguay. The match has sparked debate about the World Cup prospects of several Three Lions players, including Maguire, Phil Foden and Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Maguire’s Solid Return to the Fold
One of the key decisions that may have been overlooked when the England team was announced was the return of Harry Maguire. Maguire is used to being underrated when representing his country. He has shown consistent performance during England’s most successful period of results.
He was always the first name on Gareth Southgate’s teamsheet for good reason. On his first start since 2024, he showed he’d never been away. He came up big in key moments, just as he has throughout his England career.
Maguire offered a threat in the opposition box. He played intelligent passes through the lines to set up attacks. He even pinged a 70-yard pass into the path of Jarrod Bowen.
England needed him with the last kick of the game when he threw his body in the way of a goal bound shot in injury-time. His experience of major tournaments, along with his affinity with the shirt, surely now makes him a certainty to make the 26-man squad.
Ben White’s Tumultuous Return
The Wembley crowd made it clear how they feel about Ben White returning to the England fold, having left the 2022 World Cup and refused to answer call-ups for his country until Tuchel took over. He was booed after scoring for his country in this stadium.
A harsh penalty call in stoppage-time against him further added to his tumultuous night. Tuchel stood by White afterwards, saying: “We protect our players. He’s ready to write some new chapters.”
White – an injury replacement in this squad for Jarell Quansah – came on as a centre-back against Uruguay. He was clearly down the pecking order at his preferred right-back position and Marc Guehi and Ezri Konsa are among those competing to return in the middle of defence.
He offers versatility, though, and is now in the mix. Tuchel may wonder if it is worth the noise and disruption around White to take him to the World Cup this summer. It seemed apparent what the England fan choice would be at Wembley…
Foden Fails to Fire
It’s now 48 caps, four goals for Phil Foden. Once again, this looked like another night where he was unable to use his unquestionable skill to impact the international stage for England.
He was neat and tidy. He always is. But th
The draw with Uruguay has provided Thomas Tuchel with plenty to consider as he finalises his plans for the World Cup.