We take a look at how the 1-1 draw between England and Uruguay has affected manager Thomas Tuchel’s plans for the World Cup. Coach Tuchel has raised expectations and is facing an uphill battle in preparation for the production of this summer’s plane…
Maguire is back – and like he never left
England’s Harry Maguire heads in against Uruguay
When the England squad was announced, one of the key decisions that was probably overlooked was the return of Harry Maguire to the England squad. But Maguire is used to it when acting for his country.
This is a player who is completely underrated for his consistent performances during England’s most successful period in history. There’s a good reason he was always the first name on Gareth Southgate’s team sheet. And in his first start since 2024, he featured prominently in key moments of matches, as he has throughout his England career, as if he had never been away.
He was a constant threat inside the opposition box, creating attacks through his lines with smart passes and even had time to thread a 70-yard pass into the path of Jarrod Bowen.
England needed him for the final kick of the match as well, and he threw himself out in stoppage time to take a goalbound shot. His experience in major tournaments and his affinity with the kit now mean he is guaranteed a place in the 26-man squad.
lewis jones
Tuchel backs Whyte after Wembley boos
Ben White scores against Uruguay
The Wembley crowd made it clear how they felt about Ben White returning to the England squad after withdrawing from the 2022 World Cup and refusing to accept a call-up until Tuchel took over. Has an England player ever been booed after scoring a goal for his country in this stadium? they have it now.
A harsh penalty call against him in stoppage time added to his eventful night. Tuchel then sided with White. “We protect our players,” the England manager said. “He’s ready to write some new chapters.”
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Manager Thomas Tuchel said he was disappointed to hear boos towards Ben White at Wembley during England’s draw with Uruguay.
But will it happen at the World Cup? White, who joined the team in place of injured Jarrell Quansah, played as a centre-back against Uruguay. He has clearly fallen down the pecking order in his preferred right-back position, with Marc Guehi and Ezri Konsa among the players in contention to return to the defensive midfield.
But he offers versatility and is now turning heads. But once the dust settles, Tuchel may wonder whether the noise and confusion around White is worth bringing him to this summer’s World Cup. It was clear what England fans would choose at Wembley…
peter smith
Foden’s questions continue.
Cole Palmer replaces England’s Phil Foden against Uruguay
Phil Foden now has 48 caps and four goals. It looked like another night where he failed to demonstrate his undoubted skill and make an impact on England’s international scene.
He was neat and tidy. He always is. But the incision and threat were missing. It’s a familiar complaint as he pulls the Three Lions. “For a moment I thought he could be more adventurous,” Tuchel said.
Foden’s place in this group is not secure, with Morgan Rogers and Jude Bellingham likely to be absent for the match against Japan, and Cole Palmer here and active. But, like Gareth Southgate before him, the England manager still seems to appreciate what Foden brings to the team’s wider play.
“We needed a very solid, tactically smart performance in midfield and that’s where Phil came in,” Tuchel said. “He was outstanding with his defensive patterns during practice.”
It’s not those strengths that England fans focus on when they think about Foden and his potential. He’s not on fire, as his song suggests, but that doesn’t mean Tuchel’s desire to have him in the World Cup has burned out.
peter smith
Calvert-Lewin, Solanke unable to find replacement for Kane
Dominic Calvert-Lewin will have to kick it himself. He could not have dreamed of a better opportunity to score his first goal for England in five years and underline his eligibility to represent Harry Kane at the World Cup. However, he did well to deflect a header from Cole Palmer’s cross and the ball went wide of goal.
“He had a big chance, but he’s mad at himself. Normally it was an obvious goal. He could have made a statement right away,” Tuchel said after the match. “Very well done” were the last words to the Leeds striker.
In contrast, there was praise for Dominic Solanke’s work rate and pressing before he was sent off to replace Calvert-Lewin. Coach Tuchel said he was impressed: “He worked like a dog and approached the press.” However, despite efforts to close in on goal early on, no big chances came their way.
Ollie Watkins will feel he still has a say in this race if he can get Aston Villa back into form.
peter smith
The debutantes were not very awe-struck, but did the people at the bottom do enough?
This was a special occasion for both James Garner and James Trafford, who were both making their senior debuts. A few eyebrows were raised when Garner’s name appeared on the team sheet ahead of Adam Wharton and Koby Mainu, but fears that he wouldn’t be able to handle the occasion were quickly quashed. The first 20 minutes were a barnstorming display, full of bite in the tackles and quality of the performance.
As the first half progressed and Uruguay began to settle into the game, his influence diminished and was at a level that was impossible to maintain.
Trafford were subdued but consistent in goal. His level of concentration is admirable. Most of the work has become less and so on. Considering he was selected ahead of Aaron Ramsdale, he must now be fantasizing about being third choice behind Jordan Pickford and Dean Henderson.
Fikayo Tomori hasn’t been tested enough to see if performing at this level is within his abilities, while Jed Spence has shown great link-up play with Dominic Solanke without having much of an impact on the game as a left-back.
On the other flank, Tino Libramento’s impressive start to the win against Serbia gave hope that he could replace Reece James with a solid defensive performance. Librament was one of the few that strengthened their case. Coach Tuchel has a big decision to make.
What’s next for England?
On Tuesday, England host Japan in a friendly at Wembley. Kickoff at 7:45 p.m.
It will be manager Thomas Tuchel’s last chance to watch his players on an international stage before announcing his World Cup squad at the end of the season.
England will then play World Cup warm-up matches against New Zealand and Costa Rica before opening the tournament against Croatia on June 17th.
