England manager made it clear in March that the Manchester United player was in a low spot in the defensive pecking order
Harry Maguire has said he is “shocked and gutted” after learning he will not be part of England’s World Cup squad, confirming his omission even before Thomas Tuchel names his final 26-man selection on Friday.
The 33-year-old had returned to the England setup in March after an 18-month absence and featured against Uruguay and Japan, raising expectations that he would be included for the tournament in the Americas.
Instead, Maguire will miss a second successive major tournament squad after injury ruled him out of Euro 2024.
“I was confident I could have played a major part this summer for my country after the season I’ve had,” Maguire told talkSPORT. “I’ve been left shocked and gutted by the decision. I wish the players all the best.”
Maguire’s omission comes despite an upturn in form at Manchester United following his return from a hamstring injury in January. Having struggled for regular involvement earlier in the campaign under Ruben Amorim, the centre-back re-established himself under Michael Carrick and helped United secure Champions League qualification.
He has made 24 appearances in all competitions this season and was again a regular starter during the run-in.
The decision is nevertheless unsurprising. Tuchel made it pretty clear in March that Maguire was in a low spot in the defensive pecking order, ranking behind John Stones, Marc Guehi, Ezri Konsa and Trevoh Chalobah among his centre-back options.
Maguire, who has won 66 caps, started every match for England at the 2018 and 2022 World Cups and was a key figure in the run to the Euro 2021 final. His experience had appeared to strengthen his case for inclusion, particularly after his recall earlier this year.
England open their World Cup campaign against Croatia in Dallas on 14 June before facing Ghana and Panama in Group L.
Maguire had made no secret of his ambition to be involved, saying during United’s training camp in Ireland in April: “Yes, of course, I’m desperate to go.
“I think it would be my last World Cup for my country. I’ve been to two, I missed out on the Euros two years ago through injury, which just hurt a lot really. So I’m desperate to go, whatever role the manager would want me for.
“Whether that’s starting or whether it’s deciding games late on. I still believe, even at my age, I’m arguably one of the best defenders in the world in both boxes.”
