Tuchel drops Maguire as family calls call 'disgraceful'

England left Harry Maguire out of its 2026 World Cup squad, and the decision drew an immediate and personal response from his family. Thomas Tuchel’s selection also excluded Phil Foden and Cole Palmer.

Family reaction to the omission

Maguire’s wife, Fern, wrote on social media: "Beyond devastated for you. There was nothing else you could have possibly done to prove your worth. I don’t need to tell you how admired you are, just a shame you were up against a single opinion." His mother, Zoe, added: "Absolutely disgusted. You couldn’t have done any more. Hold your head high... Disgraceful."

His siblings also reacted strongly. Brother Laurence called the situation a "shambles", while Joe said it was "the worst decision I’ve ever seen in my life."

Maguire's own response

Maguire said: "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." He had made 24 appearances for Manchester United this season and had returned during the March international break.

The defender, 33, said he had expected his recent form at Old Trafford to be enough to earn a place on the plane. Instead, he was omitted from the squad as Tuchel made his selection.

Keane backs the defender

Roy Keane also criticised the call, questioning Tuchel’s reasoning for leaving out a player he said had delivered for England on the biggest stages. "What on earth is Thomas Tuchel thinking here? It’s an absolute joke. It’s a circus, it really is," Keane said.

He added: "You’re talking about Harry Maguire. A proper, old-school defender who has gone into the trenches and delivered for England year after year."

Tuchel stands by decision

Tuchel said he was "surprised" by Maguire’s public statement after what he described as a private conversation. He said: "The decision is we stuck with the central defenders who carried us through the autumn. I was surprised to read Maguire’s statement. We had a private conversation and he had the chance to express his feelings."

England will face Croatia on June 17, and Tuchel’s call now stands as the squad heads toward the tournament in the United States.