England boss Thomas Tuchel has appeared to deliver a big blow to Harry Maguire's World Cup chances by insisting he is still at least the fifth-choice centre-back.
Maguire looked to have strengthened his case for being on the plane to North America in the summer as he delivered a commanding performance on his return to the national team set-up in Friday's 1-1 friendly draw with Uruguay.
It was his first appearance under Tuchel and he played the second half as captain in a polished display that has characterised his England career.
The German acknowledged the Manchester United defender's strengths, but said he remains behind Ezri Konsa, Marc Guehi, John Stones and the injured Trevoh Chalobah in the pecking order.
"I got exactly what I thought, solid, solid central-defender play," he said. "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 to 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
"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."
Asked whether he would be in the squad if it had to be named now, Tuchel said: "If, if, if. We don't need to name the squad tomorrow. He did a good game.
"He did what he does for Man Utd. He did it straight away. I'm very happy with him. To be honest, I haven't changed my mind. I got everything I expected from him.
"If I have to name it tomorrow, we have a lot of injuries, he could be in it. Who else would be there in the centre of defence?"
Stones was not involved against Uruguay after feeling his calf in training as the 31-year-old's frustrations with injuries continue, and he will play no part in Tuesday's friendly against Japan having been sent back to Manchester City for treatment.
The defender has played just five times for his club since the November international break and is struggling to get a consistent run of games.
Despite that, Tuchel says he has "credit in the bank" and described him as "world class".
Tuchel was asked whether he would make an exception for Stones with regards to his lack of playing time and he said: "I don't know yet, but if you come to the World Cup, you should be fit.
"So when he came [to camp], he was fit. He did not have a lot of minutes, but he has a level of game understanding.
"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."
In addition to Stones' withdrawal, the Football Association said Aaron Ramsdale, Fikayo Tomori, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Adam Wharton, Noni Madueke, Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka were leaving the England camp before the Japan match at Wembley.
Your Site' Lewis Jones reporting from Wembley after England's 1-1 draw against Uruguay:
When the England team was announced, one of the key decisions that perhaps got overlooked was the return of Maguire to the England fold. But Maguire is used to that when turning out for his country.
This is a player completely underrated for the consistency of performance he has shown during England's most successful ever period of results. He was always the first name on the teamsheet for Gareth Southgate for good reason. And on his first start since 2024, it was like he had never been away, coming up big in key moments in the match just like he has done throughout his England career.
He always offered a threat in the opposition box, played intelligent passes through the lines to set up attacks and even had time to ping a 70-yard pass into the path of Jarrod Bowen.
England needed him with the last kick of the game too as he threw his body in the way of a goalbound 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.
England host Japan in another friendly at Wembley on Tuesday; kick-off 7.45pm.
That will be the final chance for Tuchel to look at his players on the international stage before he announces his World Cup squad at the end of the season.
England then have World Cup warm-up matches with New Zealand and Costa Rica before their tournament opener against Croatia on June 17.
