Tuchel Critiques Maguire's Reaction to England Omission
Thomas Tuchel has turned to Old Trafford for England’s extended international break – but he has also made it clear he did not appreciate how one Manchester United defender handled being left behind.
Kobbie Mainoo and Marcus Rashford have both been called up for the upcoming Nations League fixtures against Spain, Czechia and Croatia, rewarded for strong club form. Harry Maguire, though, remains on the outside looking in, and the fallout from his World Cup omission still lingers.
Tuchel unimpressed with Maguire reaction
Maguire, now a key figure under Michael Carrick at United, was left out of Tuchel’s World Cup squad despite an impressive season. The decision stunned the centre-back, who chose to voice his anger publicly.
"I was confident I could have played a major part this summer for my country after the season I’ve had," he posted on social media. "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."
The reaction did not stop there. His mother, Zoe, wrote that she was "absolutely disgusted" by the call, while his brother Joe went even stronger, declaring: "This might possibly be the worst decision I've ever seen in my life. No words."
Maguire later travelled to New York to work on The Rest is Football podcast and lifted the lid on how he found out he had been cut.
"He [Tuchel] FaceTimes everyone. It was quite an awkward call," Maguire said. "I said straightaway I was really disappointed. I thought I did enough to be in the squad and thought I could have helped and had a part to play on and off the pitch.
"He said he can't give me an excuse but he had gone with the four lads who got him through the qualifiers.
"It was tough to take. I did think I would be in the squad after being selected for the March camp under him for the first time. I did really well in both games and then went back to Manchester United and finished the season really strongly."
Tuchel has now responded. After unveiling his latest England squad, he admitted Maguire’s public outburst did not sit well with him.
"It does not help," he told talkSPORT. "I will not hold it against him for the rest of his life, because I’m not that type of person. I can forget easily and quickly.
"But I didn’t like it and it doesn’t help. I’ve not spoken to him since."
A clear line in the sand. Tuchel is willing to move on, but he has not forgotten.
United duo make the cut
While Maguire stays at Carrington, two of his United teammates will report for England duty.
Teenage midfielder Kobbie Mainoo continues his rapid rise with another call-up, his composure and authority in the Premier League pushing him firmly into the national-team picture. Marcus Rashford, whose form has sharpened this season, also retains Tuchel’s trust in attack.
Two United players in. One very notable name still out.
The message from Tuchel is blunt: form earns you a place, but how you handle disappointment can shape your future just as much.
