Harry Maguire has revealed that he has been in touch with a 'few' members of the England squad, wishing them well ahead of the World Cup. The Manchester United defender was a surprise omission from Thomas Tuchel's tournament selection.
Upon learning of his exclusion, Maguire did not attempt to hide his disappointment, taking to social media to release a statement. "I was confident I could have played a major part this summer for my country after the season I've had," he said.
"I've been left shocked and gutted by the decision. 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."
The World Cup marks the second consecutive major tournament the defender has missed, having been ruled out of Euro 2024 with a calf injury. Maguire was a consistent presence in United's starting line-up when available last season.
Maguire was not the only notable absentee from the squad, with United teammate Luke Shaw, Manchester City's Phil Foden, Chelsea's Cole Palmer and Real Madrid's Trent Alexander-Arnold all failing to secure a place.
Nevertheless, Maguire will still have a presence at the World Cup, featuring on Netflix's The Rest is Football alongside Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer and Micah Richards.
During his appearance on the programme on Monday, Gary Lineker quizzed Maguire on whether he had been in contact with any England players. “Yeah, I've spoken to a few of them," Maguire said.
“They're all, obviously, the camps go really well, and they've had two wins in the friendlies as well, so, it seems a positive camping, and, listen, I wish them all the best.
“I want them to do well, though, all my friends, obviously I'd love to have been out there and maybe not chatting to you on this podcast. But no, this is obviously the second best thing for me and really after that I'm getting to come over there and experience the atmosphere and joining the show."
England get their World Cup campaign underway on Wednesday night when they take on Croatia at the Dallas Stadium (9pm kick-off), before facing Ghana and Panama in their remaining Group L fixtures on Tuesday, June 23 (9pm) and Saturday, June 27 (10pm).
Ahead of the tournament, former United captain Roy Keane gave a clear response to Maguire's omission from the squad. "Every time we do an England game, we speak a lot about players who have been left out or in terms of the squad are left out of the starting XI," Keane said.
"But I think if you can't get into a squad of 26, that's on you. That is on the player, you've not done enough to convince that manager and there will always be uproar with England for players that are left out if they play for certain clubs but that's on you."
"If you can't make a squad of 26, that's on you, don't blame anyone else."
