England coach insists he continues to respect centre-back’s personality and quality
England manager Thomas Tuchel has said he was surprised by Harry Maguire’s public reaction after leaving the defender out of his 26-man squad for this summer’s World Cup.
Maguire, who had been included in England’s squad in March and enjoyed a revival in form at club level, confirmed his omission on social media before Tuchel formally announced his selection. The defender said he had been left “shocked and gutted” after missing out.
Tuchel said the decision was because he and his coaching staff wanted to continue with a defensive group that had already established themselves during the qualification campaign rather than a judgement on Maguire’s performances.
“I was a bit surprised, but I respect his personality a lot, I respect his quality a lot,” Tuchel said. “He has had an outstanding season. I can see the disappointment, I can see the reason behind the disappointment.
“Still I was a bit surprised because we had a private conversation and he had the chance to express his feelings which he did and this is fair enough because I can see all the reasons why he could be in the squad.”
The England manager instead retained the central defenders who had formed part of his plans through the autumn internationals, naming Marc Guehi, Dan Burn, Ezri Konsa, John Stones and Jarell Quansah among his defensive options.
Tuchel said some members of that unit had become part of England’s leadership group and played a role in establishing standards within the squad.
“The decision is that we stood firmly with our central defenders that carried us through September, October and November,” Tuchel said. “Some of them are part of the leadership group that took ownership and set the standards high. It was a decision for these 26 players, even if it feels against individuals.”
Maguire said: “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.”
