Thomas Tuchel omitted Harry Maguire from his England squad (Image: Getty)
Thomas Tuchel has dropped a bombshell by revealing he dropped Harry Maguire from his first England squad, sparking doubts over the defender's international future. Initially, it was speculated that Maguire's absence from the World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia was due to a calf injury. However, Tuchel has now confirmed that Maguire was fit for selection but made the tactical choice not to include him.
Opting for fresh talent, Tuchel called up players such as Ezri Konsa, Marc Guehi, Levi Colwill, and handed a first cap opportunity to Dan Burn, bypassing Maguire who had been a key player under previous manager Gareth Southgate, amassing 64 caps.
Despite Maguire's influential role in seeing England to the World Cup semi-final in 2018 and the Euros final held on home ground, an injury ruled him out of Euro 2024. Tuchel’s snub raises questions over Maguire's prospects for the upcoming 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Tuchel took the personal approach, phoning Maguire to explain his decision, stating: "I spoke to all of them who were not on the list, to give my direct feedback on my decision.
"It was a close decision. We chose Marc Guehi and Ezri Konsa at the moment. I think they are a little bit in a better rhythm - and deserve to be with us.
"Two right footers in central defence, and the rest were left footers in the centre of defence.
"Yeah (viewed him as being fit), but it the second reason, not that he was not fit, when we did the nomination (squad selection). Harry knows that."
Tuchel conceded that Maguire's role in [Manchester United](https://www.express.co.uk/latest/manchester-united-fc)'s back three may have played a part in his recent international exclusions but was quick to affirm that Maguire's England career is by no means over.
He added: "It's not so easy for him at his club at the moment.
"He plays in a back three, but he's a top professional and he's very important for England.
"He took it unbelievably well. He wrote me messages to wish us good luck, and you see what a person he is. He is a top guy and he will always be in contention."