(Credit: Imago)

Callum O'Connell

Tue 31 March 2026 12:45, UK

Follow us on Google Discover

Thomas Tuchel has raised new questions about his England selection as he confessed Manchester United star Harry Maguire is unlikely to make his World Cup squad.

The 33-year-old, who played the full 90 minutes in the Three Lions’ 1-1 draw against Uruguay and turned in a typically solid display, has been told he only has an outside chance.

Marc Guehi and Ezri Konsa appear to be the first-choice duo, but Tuchel went as far as to admit Trevoh Chalobah, with only one cap to his name, is ahead in the pecking order.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Maguire should be “guaranteed” a spot in the squad based on his experience alone.

Having returned to the United starting XI under Michael Carrick and impressed on a regular basis, Maguire is within is rights to be “fuming” over the situation.

Thomas Tuchel destroyed for his Harry Maguire call

Brown told Football Insider on 30 March that Tuchel is facing major issues with England with doubts about where some key players fill fit in his plans.

Regardless of the scrutiny over the decision itself, questions have also been asked about why Maguire played 90 minutes against Uruguay if he is not part of the plans.

There are concerns that the boss is still experimenting with his squad and style with just one game left before the Three Lions travel to the USA.

“Harry Maguire is one of England’s best players,” Brown told Football Insider.

“Regardless of what people think of him or have thought over the last few years, he’s always given 100 per cent and always been very impressive in an England shirt.

“All of a sudden, Tuchel comes out and says he’s about number five on his list of options.

“I challenge anybody to convincingly name five England centre-backs who will offer more to the team and the squad than Harry Maguire would.

“The question then is, why did he play 90 minutes against Uruguay? If Tuchel doesn’t expect him to be part of his World Cup squad, why is he in this one?

“There’s one game left between now and then, and he’s still experimenting with players and picking people who even he doesn’t think will go. It’s bizarre.

“Harry Maguire will be fuming, and rightfully so, because everything he gives England on the pitch and in the dressing room will be a massive miss.”

Maguire closes in on new Man United contract

Maguire’s performances at Old Trafford have not only earned him renewed shouts for a place in the World Cup squad, but may land him a new Man United contract.

Brown told Football Insider on 24 March that Man United are accelerating contract talks with Maguire as they hope to extend his stay beyond the end of the season.

The 33-year-old’s current contract is set to expire at the end of June, but neither him nor the club have any intention of letting his deal run down.

This comes despite a frustrating display last time out of the Red Devils, where he gave away a penalty and was sent off in a 2-2 draw at the Vitality Stadium.

After establishing himself as a key man under Carrick, the club have been left with “no choice” but to extend his deal thanks to his influence on and off the pitch.