Thomas Tuchel 'surprised' by Harry Maguire's reaction to England squad omission

England head coach Thomas Tuchel has addressed the public response from Harry Maguire after the defender was left out of the squad for the 2026 World Cup. The 33-year-old learned of his omission prior to the official announcement and immediately shared his disappointment via social media.

Tuchel admitted that Maguire's early public statement came as a surprise, but he emphasized his professional respect for the player's personality and quality. The manager explained that the selection was driven by a commitment to the tactical consistency established during the team's autumn campaign.

I was a bit surprised, but I respect his personality a lot, I respect his quality a lot. He has had an outstanding season, I can see the disappointment, I can see the reason behind the disappointment. Still I was a bit surprised because we had a private conversation. We stood firmly with our central defenders that carried us through September, October and November. Thomas Tuchel

Maguire, who had felt confident about his place following a resurgent season, expressed that he was "shocked and gutted" by the decision. Despite his personal feelings, the defender wished the rest of the squad well for the upcoming tournament.

Tuchel's selection will now face intense scrutiny as England prepares to navigate Group L, which features Croatia, Ghana, and Panama. By opting for a different defensive setup, the manager has placed significant pressure on the remaining leadership group to maintain the high standards required for the tournament.