Harry Maguire has described the moment Thomas Tuchel informed him he would not be part of England's World Cup squad as a 'unique and awkward' experience. The Manchester United defender, 33, was left out of the 26-man squad, with Tuchel opting for John Stones, Marc Guehi, Ezri Konsa, Dan Burn and Jarell Quansah instead.
Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, Maguire explained that Tuchel delivered the news via FaceTime. 'He FaceTimed everyone. It was quite an awkward call,' Maguire said. 'I received a text saying can I speak to you about 4pm. It is quite a unique way of doing it and it must be quite hard because he can see everyone’s reactions.'
Maguire admitted he was 'really disappointed' and believed he had done enough to earn a place. 'I thought I could have helped and had a part to play on and off the pitch,' he said. Tuchel told him he could not give an excuse but had chosen the four defenders who had performed well during the autumn internationals.
The 66-cap defender, who turns 37 at the next World Cup, said he wanted to be part of the squad even if it meant limited playing time. 'I told the manager I wasn’t demanding to go and start the games. I would have been happy to play one minute as long as I’m there with the lads,' he added.
Maguire's omission was not entirely unexpected, as Tuchel had previously indicated in March that he considered several players ahead of him. The German coach named Konsa, Guehi, Trevoh Chalobah and Stones as preferred options, citing mobility and profile as key factors. It now appears Maguire has been overlooked again, with Chalobah reportedly set to replace the injured Tino Livramento in the squad.
