Harry Maguire ‘shocked and gutted’ in statement on World Cup snub | Football | Sport
Harry Maguire will not be going to the World Cup. (Image: Getty Images)
Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has been left out of England’s squad for the World Cup. Maguire, 33, is ‘gutted and shocked’ by Thomas Tuchel’s decision, which emerged on the eve of England’s World Cup squad announcement. The centre-half secured a recall to the England squad in March, appearing in both of their friendlies. Maguire hadn’t featured for the Three Lions since September 2024.
However, Tuchel made remarks following the camp that Maguire lacked ‘mobility’ and was fifth in his centre-back pecking order. As first reported by talkSPORT, the England manager has now told Maguire that he won’t be travelling to this summer’s tournament in North America.
Maguire posted on Instagram: “I was confident I could have played a major part this summer for my country after the season I’ve had,. I’ve been left shocked and gutted by the decision. I’ve loved nothing more than putting that shirt on and representing my country over the years. I wish the players, all the best this summer.”
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Tuchel is due to reveal his call-ups on Friday morning and explain his thinking at a subsequent press conference. Maguire also missed Euro 2024 through injury and the omission could signal the end of his international career.
The 33-year-old has been an integral component of United’s revival under Michael Carrick, securing third place in the Premier League. However, with Marc Guehi and Ezri Konsa anticipated to be Tuchel’s first-choice partnership, he’s been overlooked.
His omission also enhances Dan Burn and Levi Colwill’s prospects of being selected. Trevoh Chalobah, who’s been sidelined through injury, could also be in the running, with Tuchel having stated that the Chelsea centre-back is ahead of Maguire.
“I haven’t changed my mind, but I see other players I like to start for us, I see Konsa and Guehi ahead,” Tuchel explained. “I see Chalobah, on the level of mobility, as slightly ahead of him (Maguire).
Thomas Tuchel has decided against calling Harry Maguire up. (Image: Getty Images)
“I see other players ahead with a different profile. Also John Stones, but he had injuries, so he needed to come to camp.”
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Maguire feared that his England career was already over before his recall as part of an enlarged squad. “When you don’t get picked, when you’ve been a regular for six or seven years, it’s tough,” he admitted.
“I spoke to the manager, and he told me I was in. I phoned my family. My mum was on holiday and she was crying. I’m in a position now in my career where it is not so much about myself.”
“I’m 33. If I play one minute at the World Cup or every game, I will do everything to make sure this country is successful.”
However, that opportunity appears to have vanished.
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