Harry Maguire has revealed he has spoken to a few members of the England squad to wish them well in the World Cup, after being left out of Thomas Tuchel's squad for the tournament. The Manchester United defender was a shock omission from the 26-man squad for the World Cup in North America.
Following the news, Maguire expressed his disappointment in a statement on social media. "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 major tournament Maguire has missed, having been sidelined for Euro 2024 with a calf injury. He was a regular for Manchester United when fit last season.
High-Profile Omissions
Maguire was not the only high-profile player left out. Manchester United teammate Luke Shaw, Manchester City's Phil Foden, Chelsea's Cole Palmer, and Real Madrid's Trent Alexander-Arnold also failed to make the cut. However, Maguire will still be part of the World Cup experience, joining Netflix's The Rest is Football show alongside Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer, and Micah Richards.
Appearing on the show on Monday, Lineker asked Maguire if he had spoken to any England squad members. "Yeah, I've spoken to a few of them," Maguire replied. "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 camp. Listen, I wish them all the best. I want them to do well, all my friends. Obviously I'd love to have been out there and maybe not chatting to you on this podcast. But this is the second best thing for me, getting to come over there and experience the atmosphere."
England's World Cup Campaign
England begin their World Cup campaign on Wednesday night against Croatia at the Dallas Stadium (9pm kick-off). They then face Ghana and Panama in Group L on Tuesday 23 June (9pm) and Saturday 27 June (10pm).
Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane delivered a blunt response to Maguire's omission. "Every time we do an England game, we speak a lot about players who have been left out. But 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. There will always be uproar with England for players 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."
