Manchester United defender Harry Maguire will still have a prominent presence at the 2026 World Cup despite being left out of Thomas Tuchel’s England squad.
The 33-year-old enjoyed an impressive campaign at Old Trafford, playing a key role in United’s resurgence under Michael Carrick and helping secure a third-place Premier League finish.
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His performances, combined with an excellent record at major international tournaments, led many to expect he would be included in England’s final 26-man squad.
However, Tuchel opted for alternative defensive options, selecting Dan Burn, Jarell Quansah and Djed Spence instead. Maguire’s omission also saw fellow United defender Luke Shaw miss out on a place for the tournament.
Maguire Set for High-Profile Media Role
Following the announcement, Maguire admitted he was “shocked and gutted” by the decision, insisting he believed he could have made a significant contribution for England this summer.
Despite the disappointment, the experienced centre-back is set to remain closely involved with the World Cup.
According to reports, Maguire will feature as a guest on the popular The Rest Is Football podcast during the tournament.
The show, hosted by former England stars Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer and Micah Richards, has become one of football’s most influential podcasts.
It is expected to play a major role in tournament coverage after securing a lucrative streaming agreement with Netflix, reports Standard.
Maguire will be among several high-profile guests appearing throughout the competition, offering insight and analysis as England pursue World Cup glory.
It remains unclear whether he will appear in person from the podcast’s New York studio or contribute remotely during the tournament.
While his hopes of representing England on the pitch are over, Maguire will still have a significant voice throughout football’s biggest event.
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