Harry Maguire has been omitted from England's 26-man World Cup squad by head coach Thomas Tuchel, sparking a strong reaction from the defender and his family. The Manchester United centre-back, a veteran of three major tournaments, expressed his shock and disappointment on social media, writing: '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.'
Maguire's wife Fern posted: 'Beyond devastated for you. There was nothing else you could have possibly done to prove your worth.' His mother Zoe added: 'Absolutely disgusted. You couldn't have done any more. Hold your head high... Disgraceful.'
Alongside Maguire, Luke Shaw, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Phil Foden and Cole Palmer were also left out of the squad. The exclusion of creative talents like Foden and Palmer has proved controversial, with pundit Micah Richards saying: 'I don't agree in terms of the squad that he's picked because I would have had at least Phil Foden or Cole Palmer in there.' Former England defender John Terry also criticised the decision, arguing that Maguire and Shaw should have been included.
Meanwhile, four young players—Alex Scott, Ethan Nwaneri, Rio Ngumoha and Josh King—have left the England camp in Kansas after being cut from the final squad. Only Bournemouth's Scott was considered a genuine contender for a place, having been on standby in case of injury. Their departures attracted little attention compared to the fallout from the omission of more established stars.
England's World Cup squad includes Jordan Pickford, Dean Henderson, James Trafford; Ezri Konsa, Nico O'Reilly, John Stones, Marc Guehi, Tino Livramento, Dan Burn, Jarell Quansah, Djed Spence, Reece James; Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson, Jude Bellingham, Jordan Henderson, Kobbie Mainoo; Eberechi Eze, Morgan Rogers, Bukayo Saka, Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford, Noni Madueke, Anthony Gordon, Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney.
