England: Harry Maguire, Phil Foden and Dominic Calvert-Lewin World Cup chances assessed after Uruguay draw
Harry Maguire impressed at the back but Dominic Calvert-Lewin missed a big chance and Phil Foden failed to fire again for England - but how has the draw with Uruguay impacted World Cup prospects for Three Lions players?
Friday 27 March 2026 23:38, UK
We examine how England's 1-1 draw with Uruguay has impacted Thomas Tuchel's plans for the World Cup, who has boosted their prospects and who now has an uphill battle to make the plane this summer...
Maguire's back - and it's like he never went away
When the England team was announced, one of the key decisions that perhaps got overlooked was the return of Harry 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'd never been away, coming up big in key moments in the match just like he has done throughout his England career.
- England 1-1 Uruguay - Match report
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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 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.
Lewis Jones
Tuchel backs White after Wembley boos
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. Has an England player ever been booed after scoring for their country in this stadium? They have now.
A harsh penalty call in stoppage-time against him further added to his tumultuous night. Afterwards, Tuchel stood by White. "We protect our players," said the England boss. "He's ready to write some new chapters."
But will that be at the World Cup? 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. But when the dust settles, 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...
Peter Smith
The Foden question continues
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 the incision and threat was missing. It's a familiar complaint when he pulls on the Three Lions. "In moments, I thought he could be more adventurous," noted Tuchel.
With Morgan Rogers and Jude Bellingham likely to get a run-out against Japan, and Cole Palmer lively when he came on here, Foden's position in this group isn't secure. But, like Gareth Southgate before him, it appears the England boss still values what Foden can bring to the team's wider play.
"We needed a very solid, tactical smart performance in midfield. That was when Phil came into play," said Tuchel. "He was outstanding in the defensive patterns in training."
They are not the strengths England fans look to when they think of Foden and what he could potentially deliver. He is not on fire, as his song suggests, but that doesn't mean Tuchel's desire to have him at the World Cup has burnt out.
Peter Smith
Calvert-Lewin and Solanke unable to seize role as Kane alternative
Dominic Calvert-Lewin will be kicking himself. He couldn't have dreamed of a better opportunity to score his first England goal in five years and underline his credentials to go to the World Cup as Harry Kane's deputy. But he badly miscued his header from Cole Palmer's cross and skewed the ball wide of a gaping goal.
"He had the big chance and he's upset with himself. It's normally a clear goal. He could have made a statement straight away," said Tuchel afterwards. "Did quite well" was his final words on the Leeds striker.
In contrast, there was praise for the work rate and pressing of Dominic Solanke before he came off for Calvert-Lewin. "He worked like a dog, initiating the press," said Tuchel impressed. But, despite some early efforts at goal, no big chance came his way.
Ollie Watkins will feel he can still have a say in this race, if he can rejuvenate his Aston Villa form.
Peter Smith
Debutants not overawed - but did fringe figures do enough?
This was a special occasion for both James Garner and James Trafford, who were making their senior debuts. A few eyebrows were raised when Garner's name appeared on the teamsheet ahead of Adam Wharton and Kobbie Mainoo, but any fears of him being unable to deal with the occasion were quickly quashed as he produced a barnstorming first 20 minutes full of bite in the tackle and quality with his delivery.
It was an unsustainable level to maintain, with his influence dwindling as Uruguay started to get to grips with the game as the first half wore on.
Trafford was steady if unspectacular in goal. His concentration levels can be commended, such was the lack of work he had to do for large parts. He must fancy his chances of being third-choice behind Jordan Pickford and Dean Henderson now, considering he was given the nod ahead of Aaron Ramsdale.
Fikayo Tomori wasn't overly tested enough to see whether flourishing at this level is within his capabilities while Djed Spence showed some nice link play with Dominic Solanke without ever really influencing the game from left-back.
On the other flank, Tino Livramento, who started the impressive victory in Serbia, offered hope that he'll be capable of offering an alternative to Reece James with a performance full of defensively solidity. Livramento was one of the few to enhance their claims. Tuchel has some big calls to make.
What next for England?
England host Japan in another friendly at Wembley on Tuesday; kick-off 7.45pm.
That will be the final chance for Thomas 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.
