‘I’m shocked’: Tuchel drops Maguire from England’s World Cup squad

Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has been left out of England’s World Cup squad by head coach Thomas Tuchel.

Maguire disclosed this in a statement shared on his social media accounts on Thursday.

The centre-back wrote: “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.”

Maguire, who has 66 caps for his country, has battled his way back into the Manchester United XI, starting 14 of their last 16 Premier League games under Michael Carrick after losing his place during Ruben Amorim’s tenure.

Maguire’s upturn in form led to his recall to the England squad in March, where he impressed in the 1-1 draw with Uruguay and came on as an 83rd-minute sub in the 1-0 loss to Japan.

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However, speaking after the Uruguay game, Tuchel hinted that Maguire was still down his pecking order at centre-back – naming four other players who were ahead of him.

“I got exactly what I thought, solid, solid central-defender play,” he said of Maguire’s performance.

He added: “That’s what he does. Very good on the ball, very calm, strong in the air and in the weapon for set-pieces.

“I see Ezri Konsa ahead, I see Marc Guehi ahead. It’s no secret. I see Trevoh Chalobah on the level of mobility was slightly ahead of him.

“Also John Stones, but he had injuries, so he needed to come to camp.”

Tuchel will name his 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup on Friday morning.