Thomas Tuchel says Ruben Amorim Man Utd ways value Harry Maguire spot in England squad
Harry Maguire missed out on Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad with the new Three Lions boss opening up on the decision not to include the centre-back
Thomas Tuchel has revealed why he axed Harry Maguire from his first England squad.
It was thought Maguire was left out of the squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia because he was nursing a calf strain. But Tuchel admits Maguire was fit enough to be picked – and he chose not to select him.
Tuchel decided to pick the likes of Ezri Konsa, Marc Guehi, Levi Colwill and the uncapped Dan Burn instead. Maguire became one of the mainstays of the team under former boss Gareth Southgate, and has won 64 caps.
The Manchester United defender helped England reach the World Cup semi final in 2018 and Euros final on home soil, but missed the 2024 Euros due to being injured.
And Tuchel’s decision to overlook him at the first time of asking will cast serious doubts on the 32-year-old’s chances of being involved at the 2026 World Cup in America, Canada and Mexico next summer.
Tuchel rang Maguire to explain his decision and the German said: “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 was not fit, when we did the nomination (squad selection). Harry knows that.”
Tuchel admitted the fact Maguire is playing in a back three – the preferred formation of Ruben Amorim – at United also counted against him, but refused to slam the door on his international career.
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.”
