Harry Maguire 'shocked and gutted' after being left out of England World Cup squad

The central defender has been capped 66 times at international level. Alex Pantling/Getty Images Share article60Harry Maguire says he is “shocked and gutted” at being left out of the England squad for the upcoming World Cup. The 33-year-old returned to the international fold in March and started the friendly victory over Uruguay — his first international appearance since September 2024. England head coach Thomas Tuchel will confirm his 26-man group for the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico on Friday morning. Ahead of that, Maguire has confirmed that he will not be part of it. “I was confident I could have played a major part this summer for my country after the season I’ve had,” he told talkSPORT. “I’ve been left shocked and gutted by the decision. I wish the players all the best.” A post shared by Harry Maguire (@harrymaguire93) Maguire was in and out of the United team at the beginning of the season while Ruben Amorim was in charge but has been a mainstay under Michael Carrick since returning from a hamstring injury in January. He has made 24 appearances in all competitions this season and helped United qualify for the Champions League. The central defender has been capped 66 times at international level and started every game at the 2022 and 2018 World Cups. He missed Euro 2024 through injury. England will begin their World Cup campaign against Croatia in Dallas on June 14, before taking on Ghana in Boston and Panama in New Jersey to round out Group L. Analysis by Manchester United correspondent Laurie Whitwell The strength of feeling for Maguire at missing out is pronounced and understandable. He has been a pillar for United since returning to the team upon Carrick’s appointment, starting 10 wins, three draws and one defeat. It looked like Maguire’s form would get him to the World Cup, especially after he was recalled by Tuchel in March, playing the full 90 minutes against Uruguay and coming on as a substitute versus Japan. Those were his first England appearances in 18 months but, as a player who was key in England’s run to the World Cup semi-final in 2018 and final of the European Championship in 2021, his experience appeared to be a decisive element. In a recent interview with The Athletic, former England manager Steve McClaren said he should be a prime pick due to his strength in both boxes for set-pieces. Tuchel, though, said Maguire would be his fifth-choice during that March camp, ranking him behind John Stones, Marc Guehi, Ezra Konsa and Trevoh Chalobah. He has now made a call based on that ranking. Maguire made no secret of his hope to play in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. “Yes, of course, I’m desperate to go,” he told reporters during United’s training camp in Ireland in April. “I think it would be my last World Cup for my country. I’ve been to two, I missed out on the Euros two years ago through injury, which just hurt a lot really. So I’m desperate to go, whatever role the manager would want me for. “Whether that’s starting or whether it’s deciding games late on. I still believe, even at my age, I’m arguably one of the best defenders in the world in both boxes. I don’t think that’s to question really. That can be really effective later on in games, whether you’re holding on to a lead or trying to chase a game. I still think there’s an important part that I can play in, that I can help.” Spot the pattern. Connect the terms Find the hidden link between sports terms