Harry Maguire expressed disappointment at missing out on England’s World Cup squad, but Tom Heaton is confident the resilient Manchester United centre-back will bounce back.
When Michael Carrick arrived in January as interim head coach, Harry Maguire was one of the experienced players he leaned on most.
That’s why Maguire earned a new contract at United, while Casemiro, who also played an influential role in helping the team return to the Champions League, is likely to join Inter Miami as a free agent after the 2026 World Cup.
Unlike Casemiro, Maguire won’t be competing at the World Cup this summer. He admitted feeling aggrieved by Thomas Tuchel’s decision at the time, but now he has the summer off to relax and do some broadcasting work with Gary Lineker for Netflix.
Harry Maguire has been left out of England’s World Cup squad ❌🦁 did he deserve a spot on the plane?
Maguire has admitted he is "shocked and gutted". What are your thoughts on Tuchel's decision?😳
Tom Heaton believes Harry Maguire can defy England snub
Earlier this week, Maguire admitted that the most frustrating thing about his England snub was how it got leaked to the press early.
The 33-year-old will need to get over his World Cup blow in time for United’s 2026/27 season. His club teammate Tom Heaton believes he will do just that.
Speaking on the latest episode of The Football Boardroom with Henry Winter, Heaton spoke about Maguire, who has had to bounce back from difficult times in his career, so he’s confident the resilient defender will overcome it.
“I know Harry well, people are desperate to be involved in it and it’s a big hit,” Heaton said.
“You’re on limited time. World Cups come around every 4 years.
“So, yeah, people have got a real real desire to try and be in that squad. So, it’s a it’s a real shock to the system, a real disappointment when it doesn’t happen.
“You know, in Harry’s case in particular, I think I would have no qualms whatsoever about him handling it well in the right manner.
“I think having seen him go through a real tricky period at Manchester United, where, you know, a lot of people were getting on his case, and the resilience that he’s shown to A) get through that and B) come out the other side of it in such strong fashion.
“I have the ultimate respect for it.”
Heaton is another experienced player at United who was given a new contract at the end of the season. It’s understood that the third-choice goalkeeper is one of the leaders in the dressing room.
- ⚡️ NEWS IN BRIEF
- Tom Heaton backs Harry Maguire to overcome World Cup blow
- Maguire has shown in past that he can bounce back from hard times
- Heaton hails Maguire’s resilience as a professional footballer
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Did Tom Heaton ever earn a call-up for a World Cup squad?
Although Heaton did make the England squad for Euro 2016, he was never called up for a World Cup tournament.
It probably makes it more difficult for Maguire to take that he has tasted the World Cup experience before – as well as the realisation that it was his last chance to play at one.
At least Maguire can return to United without any injuries or setbacks this summer. The same can be said for fellow England omission Luke Shaw.
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