England World Cup squad: Man Utd centre-back Harry Maguire left out by Thomas Tuchel

9 hours ago

England World Cup squad: Man Utd centre-back Harry Maguire left out by Thomas Tuchel

Harry Maguire has been left out of England's World Cup squad by boss Thomas Tuchel.

The centre-back posted on social media: "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 Man Utd 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.

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. "That's what he does. Very good on the ball, very calm, strong in the air and in the weapon for set-pieces.

"I haven't changed my mind, but I see other players I like to start for us, I see other players ahead with a different profile.

"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 this summer's World Cup on Friday morning.

Sky Sports News also understands that Maugire's Man United team-mate Luke Shaw will not be part of the World Cup squad.

'Surprising Maguire not seen as a top five centre-back'

Sky Sports News' Rob Dorsett:

"Harry Maguire has not been a mainstay of Thomas Tuchel's England even though he has been for so many years. He has played in three major tournaments. He’s won 66 caps. He’s been playing really well for Manchester United. He’s played 14 of the 16 games under Michael Carrick and the only two matches he missed was due to suspension.

“He played for England in the last two friendlies and was outstanding in those games, especially against Uruguay. I thought he had done enough to prove his worth, but straight after that game Tuchel came out and said that as far as he was concerned, Maguire was his fifth-choice centre-back.

“He is brutally honest. If you listen to what he’s said, it doesn’t come as a huge surprise. In terms of the experience he’s got, the form for Manchester United, he is fit and readily available - I’m surprised he’s not one of the top five centre-backs because I think Tuchel will pick five.

“We fully expect Marc Guehi and Ezri Konsa to be the first-choice. Dan Burn is probably going to be in there. Those three probably have one foot on the plane already. We are hearing suggestions that Levi Colwill might be included. John Stones, who we know Thomas Tuchel is a massive fan of, but he hasn’t played 90 minutes since August. Can Tuchel justify calling him up?

“There’s Jarell Quansah, Trevor Chalobah. There are options and it is difficult to guess what Tuchel is thinking. The vast majority of players who are expected to be in the squad haven’t been told yet.”

What's next for England?

England will depart for the United States on Monday, June 1, 16 days prior to their opening group encounter against Croatia (Wednesday, June 17).

They will be based in Swope Soccer Village in Kansas City, Missouri during the tournament.

England have World Cup warm-up matches with New Zealand on June 6 (9pm UK time) and Costa Rica on June 10 (9pm UK time) before their tournament opener against Croatia.

England's World Cup Group L games World Cup key dates ...

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