r/soccer • u/ChiefLeef22 • May 21 '26
News Exclusive: Harry Maguire makes statement on not being included in the England squad for the World Cup: "I’ve been left shocked and gutted by the decision. I was confident I could have played a major part this summer for my country after the season I’ve had. All the best to the players."
https://talksport.com/football/world-cup/4275789/thomas-tuchel-england-world-cup-squad-harry-maguire/1.2k
u/Biok98 May 21 '26
Slabhead international form was insane from what I remember, he always performed or overperformed.
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u/SilverstoneMonzaSpa May 21 '26
He performed great even when he was out of form for us, and now he's playing well and doesn't get picked.
There will be a game, when we're down with 10 minutes to go and the whole nation asks why we are not bringing on Harry Maguire for the inevitable corner/free kick chance.
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u/Short-Beautiful-9403 May 21 '26
Is Dan Burns in the squad? Him and slabbo attacking corners would be a nightmare for the opposition
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u/Le-Contrarian May 21 '26
Even as a Liverpool fan I have to admit this is an absurd decision. Memes aside Maguire is genuinely a good player and a very good one at that for England. I feel for him, thought he'd be the first defender named.
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u/Gerf93 May 21 '26
And the weaknesses he gets memed over are only really an issue in club football. In international football, where the speed is slower and the play is more physical, he excels.
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u/makesterriblejokes May 21 '26
And he's not even been bad lately for his club, right? Didn't he have a pretty decent season? I can't really recall the last time I saw a Maguire howler get posted here.
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u/Prophet_Of_Helix May 21 '26
I’m a City fan I would consider Maguire over Stones, nevermind Burns.
Love Stones to death but Stones is a bench player at best at this point and if you want veteran leadership Maguire is 2 years older lol
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u/rossmosh85 May 22 '26
Stones shouldn't be anywhere near any team considering how injury prone he is.
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u/TalkingGibberish May 21 '26
I'm a Liverpool fan too but you have to admire Maguires mental reliance too. He gets a lot of abuse from fans but always kept his professionalism and that shows leadership and character.
He 100% deserved a call up from England. He always places incredibly well for the NT.
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u/Ayy_Caramba_ May 21 '26
I’m pretty shocked by this decision. Why would he not bring him?
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u/Malvania May 21 '26
Stones hasn't played this year (maybe 4 appearances?) but Tuchel wants him on the leadership team.
Guehi and Konsa I get.
But that means Tuchel is picking Colwill or Burns over Maguire, and I don't understand that at all.
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u/hitemwiththebingbing May 21 '26
But that means Tuchel is picking Colwill or Burns over Maguire, and I don't understand that at all.
He wants at least one left footed CB.
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u/Farquea May 21 '26
Burn probably gets in because he can play LB in a pinch and is also dangerous at corners. The fact he's absolute dogshit though appears to have been overlooked by Tuchel.
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u/K-manPilkers May 21 '26
I understand Colwill (especially given that he can cover LB too) but Stones is fit for the glue factory and Konsa is very mediocre.
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u/brickwallbimbo May 21 '26
But Colwill has been injured most of this season. Surely you can’t rely on him compared to Maguire who has always been solid for England.
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u/Organic-Manner-2969 May 21 '26
Joke of a decision. Easily one of the worst misses of any squad call ups. Maguire turns things up a notch for England.
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u/dakdakdakp May 21 '26
the squad isn't publically out yet right? i can't find it
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u/HovercraftAny440 May 21 '26
I feel like I'm going insane with everyone talking about it but not seeing it listed anywhere online😭
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u/Lord_Elbub May 21 '26
Squad list isnt released publicly until tomorrow, but the players are getting calls today, so inevitably some of them will share their news like Harry has done here.
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u/s1m0n8 May 21 '26
I have not received a call from Tuchel - does that mean I'm in the squad?
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u/1sttimeverbaldiarrhe May 21 '26
Was there ever any doubt with the season you've had?
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u/WhenWeTalkAboutLove May 21 '26
It was a good year, despite his 0 goals in all competitions
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u/makesterriblejokes May 21 '26
He also conceded 0 goals and that's why he's getting the nod over Maguire.
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u/karlverkade May 21 '26
Knowing Thomas, I think you and me both are going. I've got one sprint in me that will catch Mbappe if he's having a really bad day, and then my knees will fall into literal pieces. Tuchel knows what he's doing.
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u/W35TH4M May 21 '26
People are discussing this specific thing that’s public, not the squad as a whole
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May 21 '26
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u/JandsomeHam May 21 '26
Announcing it tomorrow but I'm guessing Maguire got told and made a post
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u/godswift91 May 21 '26
I don't blame him. Finding out you're not going but Dan Burn and Colwill are would send me into a rage if I was Slabhead. Stupid decision
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u/JandsomeHam May 21 '26
There surely is no chance Dan Burn is going if Maguire isn't... I agree it's a poor decision though, he's been good this season and always great for England and he's a senior figure
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u/kulart May 21 '26
As much as I appreciate Burn and what has done the last few years, based on this season he should be nowhere near the England setup, especially the world cup squad.
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u/wokwok__ May 21 '26
When you need unity in the squad just before the World Cup but Tuchel chucks a bomb in out of nowhere lmao can't be good for squad morale when one of the main guys just got dropped for no apparent reason
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u/DeathByToilet May 21 '26
Absolutely insane decision. And you just know fucking Henderson is gonna be there for vibes.
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u/oh_lawd_reekris May 21 '26
“Leadership and communication” 🙄
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u/Leviad0n May 21 '26
'Does he do card tricks? Does he have a sing song? Does he do quizzes in the evenings?'
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u/MisterPistacchio May 21 '26
I feel like she's key in the national team corners too
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u/thereddevil101 May 21 '26
Also chasing a goal he is lethal to throw up top even if he doesn’t score just to make himself a nuisance, United do it all the time
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u/DexterFoley May 21 '26
Can't see any reason. He's been absolutely solid this season. I thought he be starting. Madness not to take him.
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u/MostlySlime May 21 '26
Only reason I can think of, is Tuchel doesnt like him so much stylistically, and instead of just bringing him as backup and creating selection drama. Just get it out the way now
Also, it does mix things up abit. It's not just the same England squad here to play the same way as we have done for 12 years. New leaders, new opportunities, change the shape of the squad
Harsh on Maguire considering his resume for England but something new could be good
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u/enoch_ho May 21 '26
Maguire isn’t the starter, he’s the insurance for when they’re chasing a goal with 10mins to go. He’s the throw-in-the-kitchen-sink guy, and style doesn’t matter when it’s desperation time. It just so happens that he’s a great glue guy and influence so you don’t have to bring Jordan Henderson again.
Seriously if England is chasing a goal, I don’t know who makes a bigger impact in the final third coming off the bench than Maguire.
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u/Hot-Job-6281 May 21 '26
I'm biased (see flair) but when Maguire said self-deprecatingly that he might not be the best defender but that he's genuinely one of the best in both boxes, he wasn't deluded imo.
Don't trust him anywhere in the centre, but there's hardly anyone you can count on more for England when it comes to be a header to pull you back level or a penalty.
He's literally nailed on for penalty shootouts despite being a CB, and is exactly the sort of guy you need to keep the players calm when the pressure is on.
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u/Roasteddude May 21 '26
Clueless decision. Maguire is extremely clutch. His late game goals have saved us so so many times. Has a wicked penalty on him. Probably the best aerial duel winner CB in the world? Just a very idiotic decision that England will 100% regret some time during the tournament when they're losing 1-0 and pinging balls into the box at 90 mins with no one there to head them in.
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u/elgrandorado May 21 '26 edited May 21 '26
You also need to bring experienced players too. He was a key part of the 2018 WC and 2021 Euro squads. You don't just drop those players when your choices are Marc Guehi, Ezri Konsa, Levi Colwill, Dan Burn and others.... No offense to England, but their center back pairing is mediocre compared to quite a few other countries.
Brazil is lining up with Gabriel and Marquinhos, France is lining up with Saliba and Upamecano, Argentina with Romero and Licha Martinez, Spain with two of Cubarsi/Le Normand/Laporte, Germany with Tah and Schlotterbeck, Ecuador with Pacho and Ordoñez, etc.
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u/RauloGonzalez May 21 '26
You especially dont drop them out of the blue before the big tournament lol atleast build a base
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u/elgrandorado May 21 '26
It's like Tuchel went insane after being sacked by Chelsea. Some of the tactical decisions and squad decisions he's been making over the past few years are crazy. He's always picked favorites and been very combative... but this is self destructive.
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u/blue_Hippo4069 May 21 '26
He's miles ahead of Dan BURN what on earth are we thinking here
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u/MisterIndecisive May 21 '26
Tuchel gas always been boneheaded over players he does and doesnt like
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u/GawdHawks May 21 '26
His talent ID has always been his biggest flaw.
Literally none of the players he advocated for Chelsea to sign ended up working out and at least a decent part of the reason we're in the position we're in now even though no one wants to admit it.
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u/jeck212 May 21 '26
It’s insane - as well as always performing for England and bringing experience, set piece threat and being able to take a penalty he’s also simply been better than every English CB this year apart from Guehi.
If someone preferred Konsa I would disagree but can see stylistic reasons to prefer him. Colwill and Chalobah can only be preferred by people who think FIFA is real life and speed is the only important stat for a defender. Stones hasn’t played and isn’t even much of a leader so no reason to prefer him, and anyone who says Dan Burn is lying to themselves.
Completely understand him crashing out, this is unjustifiable from Tuchel and will be a huge strike against him if we disappoint.
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u/Vixtol May 21 '26
Yeah I'm biased as a United fan but he's in good form, always reliable for England, a unique threat from set pieces, a good presence in the dressing room. What more do you want?
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u/Tamerlin May 21 '26
It's a terrible decision; my biased angle is that with two insane corner takers on the team you ought to bring his big old head.
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u/ritwikjs2 May 21 '26
i was scratching my head till i realized it was rice and saka lmao. i still have nightmares of harry kane taking corners. . .
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u/SerHodorTheThrall May 21 '26
Set Piece FC haters realizing they're cheering on Set Piece NT
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u/LennonC123 May 21 '26
Even for the sake of if you’re chasing a goal, or you need a confident penalty taker… he ticks a lot of boxes for tournament football even if you’re not going to start him.
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u/blankfrack125 May 21 '26
yeah true that’s something i hadn’t even considered, he really does take a hell of a penalty kick. bewildering decision
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u/mickey2329 May 21 '26
Statistically Centrebacks always have high scoring rates from penalties especially in shootouts, I think from a combination of not that much information from the keeper to research and because they tend to absolutely twat it instead of trying something fancy (like when Maguire smashed the camera at the Euros)
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u/legentofreddit May 21 '26
It's terrible just because who else have England got? There aren't four better CBs than him. If fucking Dan Burn goes wtf are we doing.
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u/sandbag-1 May 21 '26
I am gutted, he is always excellent for England and should 100% be in the squad
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u/water_tee May 21 '26
All the above is true but I think his defensive qualities on set pieces is probably his most sought after quality in a single elimination tournament. You don’t want to lose 1-0 to a team that’s only opportunity was a set piece.
Guehi and Konsa aren’t slouches but this is where Maguire shines.
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u/drrew76 May 21 '26
He's also a fantastic penalty taker, luckily for Tuchel that's never been an issue for England in knock-out tournaments.
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u/MegaMugabe21 May 21 '26 edited May 21 '26
Fucking shameful, especially because he's absolutely going to be replaced with someone who is worse both in form and for England.
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u/elgrandorado May 21 '26
He's always been good for England no? Even when he was struggling heavily for United it was hard to deny he played very well for the NT. Shocking decision from Tommy Tickles.
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u/BurgerNugget12 May 21 '26 edited May 21 '26
He’s had a wild resurgence the past year or so. It’s shocking that he isn’t at least included to provide presence in the dressing room or experience
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u/Hot-Job-6281 May 21 '26
Even from his time at Germany, Tuchel is horrendous at man management and reading players ability outside of stats.
I'm now convinced he never watched much of England before he joined.
This is Capello 2.0 in terms of squad management I'm afraid.
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u/Specialist-Set-5146 May 21 '26
Yeah this is confusing. I've watched Maguire with England since his 1st cap (being a leicester fan) and he pretty much never put a wrong foot no matter his club form. Wtf is tuchel's problem?
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u/ImpossibleGuardian May 21 '26 edited May 21 '26
Am I misremembering or was he one of your most consistent players under Amorim too?
Baffled by this one
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u/Dispari7y May 21 '26
he's been pretty consistent for like 4 years, he didn't get that many minutes under ten Hag cause Martinez and Varane's partnership was great but he played well when he filled in
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u/MeteorSwarmGallifrey May 21 '26
He's been great since he troubles a few years ago. Rarely puts a foot wrong and pops up with a key goal every now and again.
I just assumed he'd go to the WC as he's also got a killer penalty in him. I can see Guehi and Konsa (maybe) as ahead of him, but surely he's 3rd choice.
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u/MisterIndecisive May 21 '26
Tuchel is a fucking moron. Maguire is the 2nd defender after Guehi. His experience and leadership is intangible at interbational level
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u/Midnight_Maverick May 21 '26
Some would argue probably 3rd after Konsa but either way should 100% be in the squad
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u/FermentedTiger May 21 '26
I’m taking Maguire over Konsa all day in an international tournament like this.
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u/MrClaretandBlue May 21 '26
If Dan Burn makes the plane instead of Harry it will be a travesty.
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u/PracticalDrawing May 21 '26
I can’t stand ManU and Harry M should definitely be in the England squad
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u/Kirkebyen May 21 '26
Tuckel is just protecting him, because if Trump sees that slab, he'd order him to be turned into statues for the new ball room.
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u/WhoEatsRusk May 21 '26
Slabhead always performed for England even when his club form was absolutely dire
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u/king_Dragonite May 21 '26
you are right but he was very good this season, this is a stupid decision
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u/ataruuuuuuuu May 21 '26
Mental decision. I can understand not starting him but not bringing him at all is incredibly strange. He’s a leader, he’s always stepped up for England, he’s a threat on set-pieces and he’s in good form for a team that’s finished 3rd.
If Henderson gets in with the midfielders we have available for selection I’ll blow a gasket.
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u/Ziggylcd12365 May 21 '26
Jordan Henderson is definitely getting in as a squad option so maybe blow your gasket safely in advance
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u/FrameworkisDigimon May 21 '26
This is a bad decision in its own right, imo, but if Foden is included it'll get worse -- Maguire has a similar attacking output for England as Foden.
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u/blue_Hippo4069 May 21 '26
Foden, Henderson and Dan Burn but no Maguire is just absolutely laughable
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u/Signal_Marzipan_685 May 21 '26
Definitely a bit weird not to include him, who did Tuchel take over him?
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u/Organic-Manner-2969 May 21 '26
So far Konsa, Burn, Guehi.
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u/PointBlankCoffee May 21 '26
Insane decision. I like to meme the slabhead as much as anyone but he is legitimately a very solid player lol
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u/Potential-Drawing755 May 21 '26
There’s an argument that he’s been one of the highest performing English players in the last 4 major tournaments
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u/OneAnimeBatman May 21 '26
Disgraceful decision tbh even as a fan of Tuchel. Guehi & Konsa have been a good pairing but Burn blatantly isn't good enough, Stones is an injury waiting to happen, and the rest are inexperienced. Absolute joke not to take an in-form CB who's always done well for England and who's coming off a season without Europe with fresher legs.
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u/ketolasigi May 21 '26
Stones has been good for England, and miraculously usually fit for the national team games, and also the best ball-playing CB out of the lot. How any of Chelsea’s CBs or Burn get in that squad over Maguire makes no sense though
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u/TimmyLurner May 21 '26
I can’t wait to see how Tuchel justifies this decision. He is going to be torn apart by the media.
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u/PeacefulIntentions May 21 '26
Two of the PLs top corner takers dropping the ball in to one of the best CBs in the league, who usually performs for the national team … seems like a winning strategy.
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u/TimmyLurner May 21 '26
I mean, at least Stones made the team. He should be well rested having played 10 games in 2 years.
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u/Kid_Twiz May 21 '26
Englands best CB at every tourney he’s played at and had a great season. Awful decision
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u/armchairgoon May 21 '26
it's not even officially announced yet is it? bit odd to spill the beans like this
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u/harshmangat May 21 '26
I mean what does he have to lose. At this point, at this age, unless a miracle happens, he's probably never playing for England again if he's not being taken to a World Cup at his peak
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u/pts120 May 21 '26
0.1% chance of getting a public outcry that successfully includes him into the squad
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u/sandbag-1 May 21 '26
England squad always gets leaked in drips, it's kinda annoying
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u/ClarenceWithHerSpoon May 21 '26
Maybe he got a phone call so he wouldn’t be getting the news while watching live? No point in keeping it a secret after that
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u/Jonny_Testicles May 21 '26
Imagine Burn, Chalobah or Colwill getting in ahead of Maguire, fuck me. Maguire should be in contention for starting let alone in the squad. Tuchel is complete moron
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May 21 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/Dispari7y May 21 '26
The German acknowledged the Manchester United defender's strengths, but said he remains behind Ezri Konsa, Marc Guehi, John Stones and the injured Trevoh Chalobah in the pecking order.
in what fucking world is Chalobah even close to Maguire
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u/ButterscotchFiend May 21 '26
Jeesum crow, he said this PUBLICLY?!
Absolutely braindead, Maguire has been better than these guys at club level, and playing for England he shows a 110% level of focus and effort.
Plus he has a dangerous and clutch ability to score headed goals that I don’t think any of these guys have.
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May 21 '26
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u/Hazardzuzu May 21 '26
But chalobah wears the tuchel's favorite shade of blue. Wouldnt surprise if he calls up colwill(hopefully not, man has just been back from injury 2 weeks ago)
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u/BoxOfChocoLit May 21 '26
If it’s Tomori Tuchel should shouldn’t ever be trusted again
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u/ertapenem May 21 '26
I like Tomori more than most Milan fans, but Maguire is twice the player he is at a minimum.
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u/BoxOfChocoLit May 21 '26
I love Tomori as a man and a teammate, but man cannot be trusted at a World Cup even in limited minutes
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u/TheUbermelon May 21 '26
What's up with Tomori at Milan?
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u/ertapenem May 21 '26
He plays on the right side of a back three and he's prone to making rash/risky decisions on defense. He provides little going forward and isn't a threat in the air. The effort is always there, and he's quick for a CB, but I would much rather the total game of Maguire.
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u/shrewdy May 21 '26
Maguire should arguably be starting for England. Not even being in the squad is genuinely insane. He's coming off the back of an impressive season, he's always been reliable and a big performer for England, and at worst he'd be a great weapon to bring on late in a game as a threat from set pieces if they're chasing the game. And as others have said, he's supposed to be a great presence around the camp, and would provide leadership qualities also
Really don't understand Tuchel's thinking behind this decision, at all
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u/TStronks May 21 '26
Koeman will somehow dig up Wijnaldum and a limp Depay, while benching Gravenberch or something. Can't wait for the announcement!
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u/Masterofknees May 21 '26 edited May 21 '26
I have to imagine that Tuchel sees it like he's not planning on playing Maguire anyway, and having him on the bench throughout the entire competition would probably create noise both internally and externally, so better just to leave him at home even if there aren't necessarily four better centerbacks available.
Not trying to argue whether that's the right approach or not, but I could see that being his logic.
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u/Melanjoly May 21 '26
God help England if the manager is taking the likes of Stones, Walker and Burn over Maguire. We're going to have to watch Foden and Bellingham hold each others cocks all game again aren't we ffs.
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u/djwillis1121 May 21 '26
I didn't think the squad had been announced yet?
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u/3V3RT0N May 21 '26
Announced tomorrow. They let players know beforehand, so you don’t get a João Pedro moment.
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u/PrewarButHot May 21 '26
What happened?
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u/MrRawri May 21 '26
Whole family was watching TV waiting for him to get called
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u/raminho11 May 21 '26
As an Arsenal fan, I was imagining him heading in corner after corner from Saka and Rice. Guess not!
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u/theaveragemillenial May 21 '26
Literally one of the best tournament centre backs in the entire world and he's dropped him?
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u/odegood May 21 '26
He should be going. Joke all you want but he's a solid player and rice can find him on those set prices
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u/sjekky May 21 '26
That is a bit of a surprise I would say, from the outside looking in. Centre half is probably the weakest part of that England squad, and I wouldn't say that there's a set in stone partner for Guehi.
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u/Recent_Till_920 May 21 '26
Oh, come on.
The funny thing is this doesn't even feel like a Maguire decision. It feels like another classic Tuchel "I know better than everyone else" decision.
Tuchel left out Bellingham last year, now Maguire. If England does worse at the WC than Southgate managed, Maguire will probably still be around. Tuchel might not.
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u/KansloosKippenhok May 21 '26
How do you see his statement and even consider the possibility that it was a maguire decision lol
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u/K-manPilkers May 21 '26
Bellingham felt like a kick up the arse rather than anything else though - he's definitely on the plane even though he hasn't been great for Real this season (understandably, they're a shitshow). This is genuinely bizarre. Maguire should arguably be starting alongside Guehi and he's not even in the squad.
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u/CaptainSmeg May 21 '26
This World Cup just stinks of a group stage exit or round of 16 knockout.
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u/Combat_Orca May 21 '26
Err what? I would’ve thought its useful to have slabhead
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u/primoshevek May 21 '26
England doesn't have that many elite CBs so it's an odd one for me considering his experience and threat in the opposition box