Shocked: Harry Maguire reacts to England’s apparent World Cup team snub
Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has expressed his shock and disappointment after head coach Thomas Tuchel reportedly left him out of England’s World Cup squad. The decision, which has yet to be officially confirmed by the Football Association, comes ahead of a squad announcement scheduled for Friday, May 22, with Maguire himself confirming the news on social media.
The omission is a significant blow for the experienced centre-back, who is a long-term fixture in the England international set-up and has recently worked his way back into contention with improved club form.
This development is particularly striking given Maguire’s resurgence at club level where he played a key role in Manchester United’s strong Premier League campaignhelping them secure third place and qualification for the UEFA Champions League. The defender, who has 66 caps for England, has regained a regular place in the starting XI in 14 of United’s last 16 league games after previously falling out of favor during Ruben Amorim’s managerial spell.
Maguire shared his reaction on social media, making his disappointment with the decision clear.
“I was confident that I could have played a major role for my country this summer after the season I had,” Maguire wrote. “I was shocked and gutted by the decision. I have loved nothing more than to pull on that shirt and represent my country over the years. I wish the players all the best this summer.”
Despite his recent return to form, Tuchel hinted earlier in the season that Maguire was not among his first-choice defenders. After England’s 1:1 draw against Uruguay in MarchThe England manager offered a measured but revealing assessment of the centre-back’s performance and standing in the team.
“I got exactly what I thought, a solid, solid game from a centre-back,” Tuchel said, as quoted by Sky Sports. “I haven’t changed my mind, but I see other players that I like to start with us, I see other players with a different profile in front of me.”
PREPARATION FOR THE WORLD CUP IS GETTING HOT
He also emphasized that the tactical balance and player profiles would play a major role in the selection decision, suggesting that the competition in central defense remains extremely tight.
Maguire’s absence will inevitably fuel debate among fans and pundits, particularly given his experience at major tournaments and his commanding presence in previous England teams. His exclusion, which has featured regularly in recent international campaigns, is one of the most notable selection calls ahead of the tournament.
England are placed in Group L for the upcoming FIFA World Cup and will open their campaign against Croatia in Dallas on June 17. They will then face Ghana on June 23 and close their group stage matches against Panama on June 27.
With the squad announcement looming, Tuchel is expected to finalize his core group of players who will travel to the tournament as England are about to mount another serious challenge for global fame.
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Published on:
21 May 2026 23:08 IST
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