Harry Maguire responded to Thomas Tuchel criticism with 100% success rate in England cameo vs Japan

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Manchester United defender Harry Maguire finds himself fighting for a spot in the England side ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Harry Maguire was recalled to the England setup by Thomas Tuchel over the March international break, but the Three Lions boss has also been blunt about where he stands in the pecking order.

Following England’s draw with Uruguay, Tuchel said Maguire was behind several players in the England camp, including Ezri Konsa, Marc Guehi and Trevoh Chalobah.

United legend Rio Ferdinand suggested Tuchel’s comments were an “insult” to Maguire ahead of the World Cup this summer.

With the World Cup now weeks away, which players do you predict will do well at the tournament?

And how far will they make it?👀

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Harry Maguire proved Thomas Tuchel wrong vs Japan

Harry Maguire had a chance to do his talking on the pitch, and he delivered in England’s 1-0 defeat to Japan on Tuesday evening.

While United teammate Kobbie Mainoo made his first start under Tuchel, Maguire was left on the bench as the partnership of Konsa and Guehi was preferred. However, Maguire came off the bench in the 83rd-minute and immediately showed why he must be a starter.

Maguire instantly became a threat from set pieces, coming close to scoring on one occasion when his header was cleared just in front of the goal line.

As per SofaScore, Maguire won 100% of his aerial duels (4/4) after coming off the bench for England.

He earned a 7.0 rating as a result of his cameo – a score only bettered by Elliot Anderson and Mainoo in the entire Three Lions squad.

HOW will Harry Maguire be remembered at Manchester United?💥

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Harry Maguire must make 2026 World Cup squad

England’s defeat to Japan exposed a lack of leadership and quality in Tuchel’s rotated squad.

Maguire has been in excellent form for United and his England form has never wavered. With one draw and one defeat in the March break, Tuchel needs to re-think his pecking order.

READ MORE: Harry Maguire can replicate Man Utd redemption for England to make himself an asset for World Cup

The 35-player squad picked this break will have to be cut down to 26 for the World Cup, and Maguire did more than enough to prove he must be on the plane.

Maguire impressed against Uruguay and was praised for his leadership at the back, and he was sorely missed when left on the bench against Japan.