The reason behind Thomas Tuchel’s decision to exclude Harry Maguire from England’s World Cup squad has been made public.
Ahead of the World Cup getting off in less than three weeks and all 48 teams competing in the event have started to confirm their official 26-man squads.
Among the countries that have confirmed their squads are France, Brazil, Germany, and Portugal. England boss Tuchel is scheduled to make the announcement on Friday morning, May 22.
Many of the names anticipated to make the cut and to miss out have been covered by various publications prior to the release of the England team.
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Despite enjoying one of his best seasons in years, Manchester United defender Maguire is one of the biggest names expected to miss out. He will not be traveling to North America.
However, we now understand why Tuchel chose not to select Maguire, who has 66 caps for the Three Lions, 12 of which came during the World Cups in 2018 and 2022.
According to The Times, Tuchel was concerned that Maguire’s ego wouldn’t be able to accept that, should he be picked, he wouldn’t be one of England’s starting players at the World Cup.
Instead, Manchester City defender, Marc Guehi and Ezri Konsa of Aston Villa will most likely start at centre back for England; Dan Burn, John Stones, and Jarell Quansah are all expected to be in the team.
Maguire Expresses Disappointment
Furthermore, it seems that Tuchel’s worries may have been somewhat validated by Maguire’s highly visible display of despair over being left out of the squad.
“I was confident I could of 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,” he said on social media.
“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.”
Meanwhile Maguire’s mum, Zoe, took to social media to air her thoughts, writing: “Absolutely disgusted.”
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