Harry Maguire has admitted he is “shocked” and “gutted” after reports emerged that he has been left out of England’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup by manager Thomas Tuchel.
The England boss is expected to officially announce his squad on Friday, May 22, but the experienced Manchester United defender has confirmed that he will not be part of the travelling contingent for the tournament.
The development has quickly become one of the biggest talking points ahead of England’s campaign in North America, particularly considering Maguire’s resurgence at club level this season.
The center back played a key role in helping Manchester United secure a third-place finish in the Premier League and a return to the UEFA Champions League after a two-year absence from Europe’s elite competition.
Maguire, who has often been trusted by England despite periods of criticism at club level in previous seasons, acknowledged that he did not expect to miss out on a ticket to the tournament and believed his recent performances had earned him a place in the squad.
“I am shocked. I was confident I could have played a major part this summer for my country after the season I’ve had.”
Harry Maguire
The 33-year-old also admitted the decision had left him deeply disappointed, although he insisted he would continue to support the national team during the tournament. “I’ve been left gutted by the decision. I wish the players all the best,” Maguire acknowledged.
Tuchel Set for Defensive Changes Ahead of the Mundial
Tuchel’s expected omission of Maguire appears to signal a major shift in England’s defensive structure heading into the World Cup. The former Chelsea manager is reportedly prioritising mobility and tactical flexibility in his backline, with younger defenders now moving ahead of the experienced center back.
One of the names strongly linked with a place in the squad is Levi Colwill, who recently returned from an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury and is believed to be highly rated by Tuchel. The Chelsea defender is expected to provide balance on the left side of central defence while also offering composure in possession.
England’s defensive options are expected to include Reece James, John Stones, Marc Guehi, Luke Shaw, Ezri Konsa and emerging Nico O’Reilly, who has impressed for Manchester City this season.
In goal, Jordan Pickford is expected to remain England’s first-choice goalkeeper, while Dean Henderson and James Trafford are also likely to be included among the three primary goalkeepers. Jason Steele is reportedly set to travel with the squad as additional cover.
The midfield selection also reflects Tuchel’s preference for energy and technical quality. Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, Kobbie Mainoo, Eberechi Eze and Elliot Anderson are all expected to make the final squad.
England’s attacking options are expected to feature captain Harry Kane alongside Bukayo Saka, Cole Palmer, Marcus Rashford and Morgan Rogers as Tuchel attempts to build a squad capable of challenging for the title that has eluded the football-rich nation since 1966.
Since making his debut for the Three Lions in October 2017, Harry Maguire has earned 66 international caps and scored seven goals for his country.
He was one of England’s standout performers at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, where Gareth Southgate’s side reached the semi-finals for the first time in nearly three decades.
Maguire’s commanding displays, aerial dominance and leadership at the back made him one of the team’s most trusted figures during that campaign.
The former Leicester City defender also featured prominently at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, once again playing every match as England reached the quarter-finals before suffering elimination against France.
Despite facing criticism at various points during his club career, Maguire consistently maintained the confidence of England managers because of his reliability in major tournaments.
Tuchel, however, appears determined to reshape the squad in his own image as England chase their first major international trophy since 1966.
The German coach has reportedly placed significant emphasis on quicker defensive transitions and players capable of operating in multiple tactical systems.
For Maguire, the snub will undoubtedly be painful given the role he has played for England over the past eight years. Yet his reaction has also highlighted the professionalism that has defined much of his international career.
While the final squad announcement is still awaited, the possibility of England entering the World Cup without one of their most experienced tournament defenders already represents a major statement from Tuchel as he begins a new era with the Three Lions.
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