Kyle Walker says Maguire and Shaw should have made England's World Cup squad

Kyle Walker has broken ranks to challenge Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad selections, insisting Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw should both have been included in England’s 26-man party for this summer’s tournament.

Speaking to The Sun, the Burnley defender was particularly puzzled by the decision to pick Manchester City’s John Stones ahead of Maguire. “John’s problem is keeping fit,” Walker said. “Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw have had probably their best seasons for Manchester United in a long time and are now not at a tournament. I do think Luke Shaw, for me personally, should have been on the plane. And I do think that Harry Maguire should have been on the plane.”

Maguire, who has earned 66 caps for England, made his frustration public on social media after Tuchel announced the squad last month. “I was confident I could of played a major part this summer for my country after the season I’ve had,” the United centre-back wrote. “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.”

Tuchel acknowledged being caught off guard by the public response, having already spoken with Maguire privately before the squad was announced. “I was a bit surprised,” the England head coach said at his post-selection press conference. “He has had an outstanding season, I can see the disappointment, I can see the reason behind the disappointment.”

The German coach defended his choices by pointing to continuity and leadership within the group. “The decision is that we stood firmly with our central defenders that carried us through September, October and November,” Tuchel said. “Some of them are part of the leadership group that took ownership and set the standards high. It was a decision for these 26 players, even if it feels against individuals.”

Walker’s comments add notable weight to the debate around Tuchel’s selections. As a long-serving England international who has experienced multiple major tournaments, his view that two of United’s standout performers this season were wrongly overlooked will resonate with supporters who shared similar reservations when the squad was first revealed.