England play their next friendly against Japan at Wembley on Tuesday night
11:32, 29 Mar 2026Updated 11:33, 29 Mar 2026
England manager Thomas Tuchel
Ezri Konsa is at the top of Thomas Tuchel’s defensive pecking order going into England’s final friendly before the World Cup squad is announced.
Three Lions boss Tuchel has run the rule over 35 players during this international window and fielded an experimental XI against Uruguay on Friday night.
An England team without Aston Villa duo Konsa and Morgan Rogers were on course for victory at Wembley thanks to Ben White’s goal before Fede Valverde drew Uruguay level from the penalty spot in stoppage time.
FOLLOW OUR FACEBOOK PAGE! Get more news and AVFC analysis via our Aston Villa FB page
Manchester United centre-back Harry Maguire featured in his first match under Tuchel and played well alongside Fikayo Tomori, but it seems that his position in the pecking order hasn’t changed.
When asked about Maguire, who has 64 England caps, Tuchel said: “I got exactly what I thought, 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.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.”
England’s 2026 World Cup kits
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Various Prices
England Official Store
Buy Now on England Official Store
England and Nike have launched the new home, away and goalkeeper kits to be worn at this summer’s FIFA World Cup. You can get free delivery on all orders with the code: ENGFREEDEL
Does Konsa deserve to start at the World Cup? Let us know in the comments…