Harry Maguire left out of England World Cup squad in shock omission
Harry Maguire has spoken out after reports revealed that he would be left out of the England World Cup squad, with another Manchester United teammate expected to be snubbed in the upcoming announcement.
Maguire has been a major figure for the England team in recent tournaments and, after a successful season for United where they are set to finish third in the league, it was expected he would make the cut for the World Cup squad.
The 2026 World Cup was likely Maguire’s last chance to play at a major tournament as he is 33, with a crop of young English centre-backs on the rise.
Thomas Tuchel’s squad has not yet been announced, but Maguire spoke out on social media after rumours began swirling that he was being left out.
Advert
Posting to X, Maguire said: “I was confident I could [have] 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.
"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 Sheffield born centre-back has played 66 times for his country and was recalled to the England squad in March, impressing in a 1-1 draw to Uruguay.
Maguire did not appear at the 2024 Euros after suffering a calf injury, but has started in 14 of the last 16 Premier League games under Michael Carrick, playing a major role in the team’s resurgence after former manager Ruben Amorim was sacked.
Maguire is not the only United player expected to miss out on a place in the squad, with Luke Shaw reportedly not having made the cut for Tuchel’s squad.
Sami Mokbel, Senior Football Correspondent for BBC Sports, revealed that the English left-back would not be travelling to the USA, Mexico, and Canada for this summer’s tournament.
Shaw has struggled with injury and fitness in the past, but many expected him to be given a chance to win back his starting spot at left-back after starting every league game for Manchester United this season.
The 30-year-old left-back has lost his place in the team to younger competition, with some combination of Lewis Hall, Nico O’Reilly, and Myles Lewis-Skelly expected to be called up.
Tuchel’s announcement is set this Friday, with some major snubs expected – including Real Madrid star Trent Alexander-Arnold, City’s Phil Foden, and Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton, who is reported to have lost his spot in the squad to Kobbie Mainoo.
Fans online were left raging at Maguire’s omission however, with one popular X post saying: “Proper bonkers not taking Maguire to the World Cup. Has been very good for England pretty much consistently.”
Another commented, saying: “Surprised by this omission, given his form, status as one of the leaders in the group, his work in both boxes, the benefit with set-pieces, plus he didn’t mind a substitute role, and has been so good for the togetherness of the group.
“Feel for Harry Maguire on a personal level. He has risen above so much hate, abuse, and being written off with grace and a steely mentality. A player that lifts his head instead of dropping it.”
Who is expected to make England's World Cup squad?
According to Oddschecker, these players are most likely to be named tomorrow (22 May) in the 26-man squad:
Goalkeeper
Jordan Pickford (1/50)
Dean Henderson (1/10)
James Trafford (1/4)
Defenders
Marc Guehi (1/20)
Ezri Konsa (1/10)
Nico O’Reilly (1/10)
John Stones (3/10)
Reece James (1/5)
Lewis Hall (3/10)
Dan Burn (4/9)
Midfielders
Declan Rice (1/33)
Cole Palmer (1/8)
Morgan Rogers (1/20)
Elliot Anderson (1/20)
Jude Bellingham (1/7)
Jordan Henderson (4/11)
Phil Foden (2/5)
Eberechi Eze (33/100)
Kobbie Mainoo (2/5)
Forwards
Harry Kane (1/50)
Bukayo Saka (1/33)
Anthony Gordon (1/20)
Marcus Rashford (1/4)
Noni Madueke (8/15)
Ollie Watkins (1/3)
Topics: World Cup, Football, Manchester United
Michael Slavin