Englands Harry Maguire Excluded from World Cup Squad

Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has announced that he will not be participating in the 2026 World Cup.

In a social media post on Thursday, Maguire confirmed his decision to Thomas Tuchel, who is set to announce his squad for the tournament on Friday. Maguire expressed surprise and disappointment at being left out of the team, stating that he was “shocked and gutted” by the decision.

Maguire has previously represented England in several major tournaments, including the 2018 World Cup semifinals and the 2020 European Championship final. He also played a role in the team’s quarterfinal appearance at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Injury prevented Maguire from participating in Euro 2024. Prior to his exclusion from the national team since September 2024, Maguire had been called up by Tuchel in March after helping revive United’s season following the departure of former coach Ruben Amorim.

Maguire has made 66 appearances for England and scored seven goals. He made his debut in 2017 and last appeared in a match against Japan in March. Despite being an integral part of Gareth Southgate’s team, Maguire has fallen behind other players such as Marc Guehi and Ezri Konsa in recent years.

Tuchel is expected to confirm his squad for the tournament on Friday.

Source: Al Jazeera