Tuchel not only had to deal with a “shocked and gutted” Maguire after he learned of his exclusion from England’s World Cup, he also copped a blast from his “absolutely disgusted” mother Zoe.
This will cut no ice with Tuchel, but his defensive selection will come under serious scrutiny.
John Stones, on sheer class and ability alone, would usually start England’s first game at the World Cup, but this selection is high-risk based on his recent fitness record.
Stones, who leaves Manchester City after their final game this Sunday, has only started four Premier League games this season, 12 in all, so Tuchel’s fingers will be crossed.
He may even be forced to return to Maguire should Stones suffer any further injuries, but the defensive questions do not end there, even though he also has Marc Guehi and Ezri Konsa, as well as Bayer Leverkusen’s former Liverpool defender Jarell Quansah, at his disposal.
Reece James will be first choice right-back, but has had hamstring troubles again recently, while Manchester City’s Nico O’Reilly can occupy the left while offering versatility.
Tino Livramento, another who has had fitness issues, can play on both flanks, which begs the question as to whether the inclusion of Newcastle United’s Dan Burn is one Tuchel gut feeling too many.
He has struggled to shine for England and is only likely to be utilised as a left-back if needed, where specialists such as Lewis Hall, Luke Shaw and Myles Lewis-Skelly, who have looked at home on the international stage, have been ignored.
