Thomas Tuchel, coach of the England national team, frankly said that one England player might not be included in the squad for the 2026 World Cup.
Thomas Tuchel, England's national team manager, admitted that Harry Maguire, defender for Manchester United, is only the fifth choice among England defenders and is not guaranteed a place in the squad for the 2026 World Cup.
Maguire had not played for England since September 2024 before being recalled this week and starting in the 1-1 draw against Uruguay at Wembley last Friday night.
The 33-year-old defender has impressed in United's defense since Michael Carrick took over as interim manager at Old Trafford in January, but Tuchel feels Maguire is still behind Manchester City’s Marc Guehi and John Stones, Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa, and Chelsea’s Trevoh Chalobah in contention for the World Cup squad.
Tuchel said, “I got exactly what I expected: his reliability in defense as a central defender. That’s something he does very well. He plays the ball well, is calm, strong in the air, and a key asset on set pieces.”
“But I haven't changed my mind. I see other players I want to start. I see others with different qualities.”
“I see Ezri Konsa ahead of him, I see Marc Guehi. It’s no secret. I see Trevoh Chalobah who is a bit more agile, and also John Stones, though he is currently injured, so he has to join the camp.”
“I need to meet him personally to see how he behaves with the group. As I said, he has strengths and can be a very important asset in knockout stage tournaments.”
When asked if Maguire would be named in the World Cup squad if it were announced today, Tuchel replied, “If, if, if—we don’t need to announce the squad tomorrow. But he performed well, did what he does for Manchester United immediately. I’m very happy with him. I got everything I expected from him.”
