England manager Thomas Tuchel has finally responded to Harry Maguire after the Manchester United defender spoke out on missing England’s World Cup squad.
Harry Maguire’s resurgent form under Red Devils boss Michael Carrick since January saw the ex-Manchester United captain climb back into the England squad in March.
The 33-year-old United defender featured in England’s international friendlies against Uruguay and Japan under Three Lions manager Thomas Tuchel.
Maguire took to Instagram on Thursday and said that he was both “shocked and gutted by the decision” to not include him in the Three Lions’ World Cup squad.
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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?😳
Thomas Tuchel says he is ‘surprised’ by how Man Utd and England defender Harry Maguire reacted to his World Cup news
Harry Maguire said in his statement that he felt “confident” enough to secure a place in England’s 26-man squad after his form at Manchester United this season.
Thomas Tuchel dropped his 26-man England squad for the 2026 World Cup on Friday and the 52-year-old German coach addressed the situation around Maguire.
The England manager admitted that he did not think Maguire would react as openly as he did on social media, but he holds a lot of “respect” for the Man Utd star.
“I was a bit surprised, but I respect his personality a lot, I respect his quality a lot,” he said at Friday’s press conference, as per BBC Sport.
“He has had an outstanding season. I can see the disappointment [and] 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.
“But the decision is that we stood firmly with [the] central defenders that carried us through September, October and November.”
What is your INSTANT REACTION as Man United confirm Carrick appointment 🔥
Deserved? Or are you concerned?
England manager Thomas Tuchel defends his decision not to take Harry Maguire to the 2026 World Cup
Maguire was a key defender for Sir Gareth Southgate for England and the United centre-back had represented the Three Lions at World Cups and the Euros.
Despite the experience of tournament pressure under his belt, Maguire could not convince Tuchel that he could reach the same standards as other England players.
“Some of them are part of the leadership group that took ownership and set the standards high,” Tuchel added.
“It was a decision for these 26 players, even if it feels against individuals.”
England will play New Zealand and Costa Rica in June friendlies before Tuchel’s men kick off their World Cup campaign against Croatia in their Group L opener.
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