Tuchel's England Squad: Mainoo and Rashford Shine, Maguire Left Out
Thomas Tuchel has brought Manchester United back into England’s inner circle – but not everyone at Old Trafford will be smiling.
The England head coach has called up Kobbie Mainoo and Marcus Rashford for the upcoming extended international break, rewarding the pair for their strong club form with places in his latest squad for Nations League fixtures against Spain, Czechia and Croatia.
While Mainoo’s rapid rise continues and Rashford regains his place, Harry Maguire remains on the outside looking in – and Tuchel has made it clear he was unimpressed by how the defender handled his World Cup snub.
Tuchel unimpressed by Maguire outburst
Maguire, a key figure under Michael Carrick at United, failed to make Tuchel’s World Cup squad despite a strong finish to the season. The omission stung, and the centre-back chose to go public with his frustration.
"I was confident I could have played a major part this summer for my country after the season I’ve had," Maguire posted on social media. "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."
His family followed suit. His mother Zoe wrote that she was "absolutely disgusted" by the call, while his brother Joe went even harder, labelling it "possibly the worst decision I've ever seen in my life. No words."
Maguire later travelled to New York to work on The Rest is Football podcast and lifted the lid on the conversation that ended his World Cup hopes. He revealed Tuchel informed him via FaceTime.
"He FaceTimes everyone. It was quite an awkward call," Maguire said. "I said straightaway I was really disappointed. I thought I did enough to be in the squad and thought I could have helped and had a part to play on and off the pitch.
"He said he can't give me an excuse but he had gone with the four lads who got him through the qualifiers.
"It was tough to take. I did think I would be in the squad after being selected for the March camp under him for the first time. I did really well in both games and then went back to Manchester United and finished the season really strongly."
Tuchel has now responded. Asked about Maguire’s reaction after unveiling his latest squad, the England boss did not hide his irritation.
"It does not help," he told talkSPORT. "I will not hold it against him for the rest of his life, because I’m not that type of person. I can forget easily and quickly.
"But I didn’t like it and it doesn’t help. I’ve not spoken to him since."
United’s contrasting fortunes on England duty
While Maguire’s international future hangs in the balance, United’s dressing room will still be represented. Mainoo, the emerging midfield talent, and Rashford, back in the fold, both make the cut for the Nations League clashes.
Two United players heading into camp. One high-profile omission still casting a shadow over the conversation around Tuchel’s England and what comes next for Harry Maguire.
