The Manchester City centre-back has featured for his country just four times since Tuchel took charge because of his injury issues and after a minor calf problem ruled him out of Friday's (27.03.26) game against Uruguay, the manager admitted the situation is "not ideal".

Tuchel said: "It's not ideal for John and for us. John was gutted he had this minor incident. Given the history we had to be careful. It made no sense to push him through and try stuff and make things worse.

"He has a lot of credit with me in the bank. He is a key player for me as a starter or coming off the bench. His quality, his mentality and the personality, how he is, he is a big part of my plans still, but like everyone he has to be fit.

"There's no big exception for that.

However, the England manager is happy to make a "late decision" on whether to include Stones in his final squad.

He added: "But let's wait. I think he will have some days out and then be back on the pitch. I think he can get away with not too many minutes and then like always we take a late decision. Let's wait and see how it plays out."

By contrast, Tuchel was less positive about another experienced England defender, suggesting Manchester United's Harry Maguire isn't at the top of his list to play centre back, despite a strong performance against Uruguay.

He said: "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."