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Manchester United centre-back Harry Maguire has confirmed that he has been excluded from Thomas Tuchel’s England team for the 2026 World Cup. The 33-year-old, who has been a central figure for the Three Lions for nearly a decade, admitted he feels “gutted” not to be part of the final 26-man squad heading to North America this summer.

Tuchel’s tough selection decision

As per talkSPORT, Maguire’s name will not feature when Tuchel announces his final squad on Friday. Although he earned a recall in March and featured in friendlies against Uruguay and Japan, the Manchester United defender hasn’t managed to persuade the German head coach that he deserves a place in the final group bound for the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Since his debut in 2017, Maguire has been a consistent presence in England’s lineup, accumulating 66 caps and scoring seven goals. After missing Euro 2024 due to injury, this latest omission signals a notable change in England’s defensive hierarchy under Tuchel. Despite making 24 appearances for the Red Devils this season, the ex-Leicester City player appears to no longer fit into Tuchel’s plans for the global showpiece.

Maguire reacts to the decision

The defender expressed his disappointment publicly, insisting he believed his performances merited selection.

In a statement posted on social media, 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.”

According to The Telegraph, Maguire’s mother, Zoe, also voiced her frustration on X, writing: “Absolutely disgusted. You couldn’t have done anymore. Hold your head high... Disgraceful.”

Colwill and Mainoo to step up

With Maguire missing out, younger prospects are set to take centre stage in the 26-man roster. talkSPORT reports that Chelsea’s Levi Colwill is expected to make the cut, despite only recently returning from a serious ACL injury. Tuchel is said to be a strong admirer of Colwill, who earned his fifth international cap in a defeat to Senegal last June.

In midfield, Kobbie Mainoo seems certain to secure his place on the plane. The Manchester United youngster has shone under Michael Carrick’s management at Old Trafford, and his inclusion is likely to come at the expense of Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton. England’s defensive core now appears to be anchored by Ezri Konsa and Marc Guehi, both of whom are expected to start.

Final preparations for the World Cup

Tuchel is scheduled to officially reveal his squad at 10 am on Friday, with talkSPORT reporting that the framework for England’s summer campaign is already in place. Jordan Pickford will continue as the first-choice goalkeeper, supported by Dean Henderson and James Trafford, while Brighton’s Jason Steele will join as a training keeper. Forwards such as Anthony Gordon and Morgan Rogers are also set to feature, as England aim to end their long-standing wait for a major trophy.

The Three Lions will face a packed schedule ahead of the tournament, starting with warm-up matches against New Zealand and Costa Rica after arriving in the USA. Their World Cup journey begins on June 17 against Croatia, followed by group-stage fixtures against Ghana and Panama. For Maguire, however, the action will have to be viewed from home, as Tuchel’s new-look England squad embarks on its campaign without him.