Harry Maguire learned he would not be part of England’s 26-man squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup via an awkward FaceTime call with manager Thomas Tuchel, as detailed in a discussion on Gary Lineker's podcast, Rest is Football.
Key facts
- Maguire received a text asking for a conversation before the FaceTime call.
- The Manchester United defender expressed feeling "shocked and gutted" after the announcement.
- Tuchel opted for continuity, selecting defenders who performed well in previous matches.
- Maguire does not plan to retire from international football, holding 66 caps as of March 2026.
Why it matters: Maguire's exclusion from the England squad is a hot topic, highlighting the challenges players face when transitioning between management styles. Tuchel's pragmatic approach contrasts with Gareth Southgate's previous methods, raising questions about player selection criteria.
- Tuchel's decision comes after a strong season for Maguire at Manchester United, where he believed he had earned a spot in the squad.
- The backlash from fans and former players indicates widespread support for Maguire, emphasizing the contentious nature of the selection process.
- Maguire's experience and past contributions to the national team make his omission particularly notable.
Driving the news: The announcement was made public on May 22, 2026, leading to immediate reactions across social media platforms. Maguire's Instagram post expressing his disappointment went viral, drawing attention to the emotional toll such decisions can take on players.
- In his post, Maguire stated he was "shocked and gutted" by the decision, which he felt was unjustified.
- Tuchel's response suggested he was not pleased with the public airing of grievances, labeling the Instagram post as "not necessary."
- Fellow players, including Kyle Walker, and former England manager Gareth Southgate expressed surprise at the decision, indicating a divide between management and player perception.
The big picture: Maguire, now 33, accepts that this may be his last opportunity to play in a World Cup. His exclusion affects his career and raises questions about the future of England's squad dynamics under Tuchel.
- Maguire has been a key player in previous tournaments, helping England reach the semi-finals in 2018 and the finals in 2020.
- His absence from the squad could impact team morale, as he has been a vocal leader and supporter in the dressing room.
- With Euro 2028 on the horizon, the decision reflects Tuchel's commitment to building a squad based on recent performance rather than past reputations.
What they're saying: Maguire's reaction has sparked conversations about player treatment and selection transparency within the England setup.
- He described the FaceTime call as "awkward," adding that it was difficult to hear the news directly.
- Maguire recounted receiving a text asking to speak at 4 p.m. prior to the call, which added to the tension.
- His family voiced strong support, with his mother expressing being "absolutely disgusted" by the decision.
- Maguire's wife, Fern, and brother, Laurence, echoed similar sentiments, calling the situation a "shambles" and "crazy."
By the numbers: Maguire has accumulated 66 caps for England throughout his career, marking him as a seasoned player with substantial international experience.
- He played a central role in England's campaigns in the 2018 World Cup, Euro 2020, and the 2022 World Cup.
- At 33, he acknowledges that the next World Cup in 2026 may be out of reach, making this exclusion especially poignant.
- Tuchel's squad selection process has been described as pragmatic, emphasizing performance over legacy.
What's next: Maguire remains committed to the England team and has no plans to retire, indicating he still feels he has much to offer.
- He has reached out to teammates like Harry Kane, Declan Rice, and Jordan Pickford to wish them luck as they head into the World Cup.
- As Tuchel prepares to lead the team into Euro 2028, the dynamics of squad selection will continue to evolve.
- Maguire's future contributions to the national team remain uncertain, but he is determined to stay involved.
Harry Maguire's experience serves as a reminder of the emotional stakes involved in professional sports, where decisions can significantly impact players' careers and aspirations. As he looks ahead, Maguire's resolve to remain a part of the England setup speaks volumes about his dedication to the sport.