Harry Maguire has been left out of England’s World Cup squad by boss Thomas Tuchel.
The centre-back posted on social media: “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.”
Maguire, who has 66 caps for his country, has battled his way back into the Man Utd XI, starting 14 of their last 16 Premier League games under Michael Carrick after losing his place during Ruben Amorim’s tenure.
Maguire’s upturn in form led to his recall to the England squad in March, where he impressed in the 1-1 draw with Uruguay and came on as an 83rd-minute sub in the 1-0 loss to Japan.
However, speaking after the Uruguay game, Tuchel hinted that Maguire was still down his pecking order at centre-back – naming four other players who were ahead of him.
“I got exactly what I thought, solid, solid central-defender play,” he said of Maguire’s performance. “That’s what he does. Very good on the ball, very calm, strong in the air and in the weapon for set-pieces.
“I haven’t changed my mind, but I see other players I like to start for us, I see other players ahead with a different profile.
“I see Ezri Konsa ahead, I see Marc Guehi ahead. It’s no secret. I see Trevoh Chalobah on the level of mobility was slightly ahead of him.
“Also John Stones, but he had injuries, so he needed to come to camp.”
Tuchel will name his 26-man squad for this summer’s World Cup on Friday morning.
More to follow…
What’s next for England?
England will depart for the United States on Monday, June 1, 16 days prior to their opening group encounter against Croatia (Wednesday, June 17).
They will be based in Swope Soccer Village in Kansas City, Missouri during the tournament.
England have World Cup warm-up matches with New Zealand on June 6 (9pm UK time) and Costa Rica on June 10 (9pm UK time) before their tournament opener against Croatia.
England’s World Cup Group L games
- England vs Croatia – June 17, Dallas, 9pm (UK time)
- England vs Ghana – June 23, Boston, 9pm (UK time)
- Panama vs England – June 27, New York-New Jersey, 10pm (UK time)
World Cup key dates
- Group stage: June 11-27
- Round of 32: June 28 to July 3
- Round of 16: July 4-7
- Quarter-finals: July 9-11
- Semi-finals: July 14-15
- Third-place play-off (‘Bronze final’): July 18
- Final: July 19
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: skynews.com
