Harry Maguire says he is shocked and gutted after manager Thomas Tuchel left the Manchester United defender out of England's World Cup squad. Tuchel will officially announce his 26-man squad for the tournament on Friday.
The 33-year-old center back expressed disbelief over the decision following a strong club campaign. "I was confident I could have played a major part this summer for my country after the season I've had," Maguire said. "I've been left shocked and gutted by the decision. I wish the players all the best."
Maguire recently signed a new contract at Manchester United after turning his career around under manager Michael Carrick. Family members reacted with fury on social media following the news.
His mother, Zoe, wrote: "You couldn't have done anymore. Hold your head high... Disgraceful. Disgusted." His brother Joe added: "This might possibly be the worst decision I've ever seen in my life. No words."
Surprise Call-Ups and High-Profile Omissions
Striker Ivan Toney earned a surprise recall to the squad. The Al-Ahli forward, who plays in Saudi Arabia, has featured for just three minutes under Tuchel and has not been included in an England squad since last June. Toney joins Ollie Watkins and captain Harry Kane in the centre-forward options.
Several prominent stars joined Maguire on the omission list. Manchester City playmaker Phil Foden and Chelsea attacker Cole Palmer were both axed, while Newcastle left back Lewis Hall and Manchester United left back Luke Shaw were omitted.
In-form Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White was also left out despite stunning late-season form that raised hopes of a recall. Tuchel chose Jude Bellingham, Eberechi Eze, and Morgan Rogers as his number 10 options, with Anthony Gordon, Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford, and Noni Madueke selected for wide areas.
Expected Squad Roster
Tuchel selected Ezri Konsa, John Stones, Marc Guehi, Dan Burn, and Jarell Quansah as his primary centre backs. Nico O'Reilly is likely to start at left back, while Tino Livramento made the squad despite missing the last month of Newcastle's season through injury.
The full expected 26-man squad features goalkeepers Jordan Pickford, Dean Henderson, and James Trafford. The defensive unit comprises Ezri Konsa, John Stones, Marc Guehi, Dan Burn, Jarell Quansah, Tino Livramento, Nico O'Reilly, Djed Spence, and Reece James.
Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson, Kobbie Mainoo, and Jordan Henderson form the central midfield quartet alongside Morgan Rogers, Jude Bellingham, and Eberechi Eze. The forward line includes Harry Kane, Ivan Toney, Ollie Watkins, Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke, Marcus Rashford, and Anthony Gordon.
Legal Troubles and International Record
Maguire continues to face legal complications stemming from a 2020 arrest in Mykonos, Greece. Following a retrial in the Greek Criminal Appeal Court on the island of Syros in March, he received a 15-month suspended sentence for non-serious assault, resisting arrest, and attempted bribery. Maguire called the court case a shambles and confirmed plans to appeal.
Greek prosecutors previously called for Maguire to be barred from attending the World Cup. Ioannis Paradissis, the lawyer representing police officers injured during the arrest, detailed their stance to Daily Mail Sport.
Paradissis said: "Our clients' position is that, in light of his conviction and the fact that he now has a criminal record for violent crimes, even if he lodges an appeal on points of law only, Mr Maguire should not be permitted to continue representing higher-level sports teams, including participation in the Premier League or international competitions such as the World Cup."
Paradissis also highlighted potential travel issues for matches scheduled in the United States. "Since he now holds a criminal record, it is highly unlikely he would be granted a visa or ESTA," Paradissis said. "This would, in any event, prevent him from travelling to or competing there and thus be a problem for his team."
International Experience and Form
Maguire has earned 66 caps for England and represented the nation at three major tournaments. He played in every match during England's run to the 2018 World Cup semi-finals in Russia and the 2022 World Cup quarter-finals in Qatar, but missed Euro 2024 due to injury.
The defender has played in only three internationals since Euro 2024. He started Lee Carsley's first game as interim manager against the Republic of Ireland in September 2024. Under Tuchel, Maguire played only in March friendlies, completing 90 minutes in a 1-1 draw against Uruguay and seven minutes in a 1-0 loss to Japan.
Phil Foden also missed out despite recent improvements under Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola. Tuchel gave the 25-year-old two opportunities during the March international break, but noted that Foden could not replicate his energetic training performances in actual matches.
Foden has been a bit-part player for Manchester City in recent months, though he is set to sign a new long-term contract. England and Manchester City hope a restful summer allows the 2024 PFA Player of the Year to regain his peak form.