AW

Harry Maguire has to be ahead of Trevoh Chalobah in the England central-defensive pecking order. It’s not even a serious debate. Chalobah, 26, has only 90 mins’ international experience, the friendly loss to Senegal. Maguire is 33 but is in form and brings all the experience of 64 caps, including at two World Cups. He brings leadership, distribution, importance at corners and penalty-taking. Chalobah also needs to regain fitness and get back in the Chelsea side. Maguire also has to be ahead of Dan Burn, a Thomas Tuchel favourite but not always the most confident against swift, elite-level attackers. Maguire himself can be caught out but currently showing his abilities, including anticipation of danger, after being restored to Manchester United’s defence by Michael Carrick. If Marc Guehi and Ezri Konsa are England’s first-choice pairing (depending on John Stones’ problematic fitness issues), then Maguire makes a reliable first change from the bench (especially with pace alongside). He also brings leadership off the pitch and an important sounding board for management, FA staff and younger players. #ENG