Maguire admits shock at England World Cup snub but wishes squad well from afar

Harry Maguire has broken his silence over his omission from England’s World Cup squad, telling Netflix’s The Rest is Football that he has been in touch with several players in camp and wishes them well — even if he would rather have been there himself.

The Manchester United defender was left out of Thomas Tuchel’s tournament selection in what Maguire himself described as a shock. In a statement posted to social media after learning of his exclusion, he wrote: “I was confident I could have played a major part this summer for my country after the season I’ve had. 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.”

Appearing alongside Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer and Micah Richards on the Netflix programme on Monday, Maguire was asked whether he had been in contact with any of the England players. “Yeah, I’ve spoken to a few of them,” he said. “They’re all, obviously, the camps go really well, and they’ve had two wins in the friendlies as well, so it seems a positive camp. Listen, I wish them all the best.”

Maguire acknowledged the bittersweet nature of his role as a pundit. “I want them to do well — all my friends. Obviously I’d love to have been out there and maybe not chatting to you on this podcast. But this is obviously the second best thing for me, and I’m getting to come over there and experience the atmosphere and join the show.”

The World Cup marks the second consecutive major tournament the 32-year-old has missed. He was ruled out of Euro 2024 with a calf injury, ending a run as one of England’s most-capped central defenders. Maguire was a consistent presence in United’s starting line-up when fit last season, making his omission one of the more debated calls of Tuchel’s selection.

He was not the only high-profile absentee. United teammate Luke Shaw, Manchester City’s Phil Foden, Chelsea’s Cole Palmer and Real Madrid’s Trent Alexander-Arnold were also left out of the squad.

England open their Group L campaign against Croatia at the Dallas Stadium before facing Ghana and Panama in their remaining group fixtures.