Harry Maguire made his first appearance for England since September 2024 during the international break, yet Thomas Tuchel has told him that he's fifth choice at centre-back
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 31: Harry Maguire of England during the international friendly match between England and Japan at Wembley Stadium on March 31, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images)
Harry Maguire recently made his return for England(Image: Robin Jones/Getty Images)
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Former England manager Sam Allardyce has told Harry Maguire to consider rejecting a call-up for the World Cup after 'harsh' comments from Thomas Tuchel. Maguire, 33, ended his 18-month absence from the national team on Friday when he started England's 1-1 draw with Uruguay.
The Manchester United star also featured and wore the captain's armband in Tuesday's 1-0 defeat to Japan. Between the friendlies, however, Tuchel made it clear that Maguire is fifth in the pecking order at centre-back.
"I see Ezri Konsa ahead, I see Marc Guehi ahead. It's no secret," the German told a press conference. "I see Trevoh Chalobah on the level of mobility was slightly ahead of him. Also John Stones, but he had injuries, so he needed to come to camp."
Allardyce has responded by saying that if he were Maguire, he'd think about snubbing a potential call-up in June and ending his international career. "He's been a model professional as far as I'm concerned," Allardyce said on the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast..
"He's taken every criticism on the chin and he's proving everybody wrong at the moment. So, that's harsh criticism, but I wonder whether I'd even want to go in his (Tuchel's) squad if he said that about me."
The ex-Three Lions boss went on to say: "I'd say, 'I'm 33, maybe I'll make a decision, it's okay'... If you look at your career, you've had your international time, we all start declining, however fit we keep ourselves after 30... when you see the end coming, there's nothing worse."
Meanwhile, former United and England centre-back Rio Ferdinand reckons that Maguire will take Tuchel's verdict as an 'insult'. Ferdinand said on his YouTube channel: "He will be sitting there and thinking, 'hold on a minute, I'm more than this'.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 01: Former football manager Sam Allardyce is interviewed by event host Spencer Owen (not pictured) on Day Four of the FIFAe World Cup™ featuring Football Manager at the Exhibition Centre Liverpool on September 01, 2024 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
Sam Allardyce would consider ending his international career if he was in Harry Maguire's shoes(Image: Alex Livesey - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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"In Tuchel's eyes, he uses the word mobility. Other guys have more. I get what he's saying. No one has to agree with it."
Maguire has earned 65 caps for England, the vast majority of which came under Gareth Southgate. A combination of injuries and a lack of game-time at club level forced him out of the England squad, but he's now returned following a resurgence under United interim manager Michael Carrick.
However, Maguire won't play for United again until at least April 18. That's because he was shown a red card in the Red Devils' last outing, so won't be available when they host Leeds United.