Harry Maguire has been sensationally left out of England’s 26-man World Cup squad by new boss Thomas Tuchel — and the shock decision has sparked fury inside the defender’s family.
The England national football team manager is preparing to unveil his final squad for this summer’s tournament in the United States, but one of England’s most experienced defenders will not be on the plane.
Maguire admitted he was left “shocked and gutted” after learning he had been axed despite believing he had done enough to secure his place following an impressive season at Manchester United.
The defender wrote emotionally: “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 wish the players all the best.”
But it was his mother Zoe Maguire’s furious response that truly exploded online. Commenting publicly beneath his post, she blasted the decision as “disgraceful” and admitted she was “disgusted,” insisting her son “couldn’t have done anymore.”
Harry’s brother Joe also erupted in frustration, writing: “This might possibly be the worst decision I’ve ever seen in my life. No words.”
The brutal squad overhaul has also seen Phil Foden and Cole Palmer axed from the tournament squad in another major shock.
Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White has also missed out despite a sensational end to the season that had many fans demanding his return.
One of the biggest surprises is the recall of Ivan Toney. The striker — now playing in Saudi Arabia for Al-Ahli — has barely featured under Tuchel and had not been named in an England squad since last summer. Yet he has somehow forced his way back into the World Cup picture alongside captain Harry Kane and Ollie Watkins.
Tuchel is expected to build his defence around John Stones, Marc Guehi, Ezri Konsa and Dan Burn, while younger names such as Tino Livramento and Nico O’Reilly are expected to feature heavily.
Maguire’s omission comes despite his remarkable career revival under Manchester United manager Michael Carrick. However, the long-running fallout from his 2020 Mykonos arrest case in Greece continues to follow him.
Earlier this year, prosecutors linked to the case publicly argued that Maguire should not be allowed to participate in elite competitions following his suspended sentence related to assault and resisting arrest charges — accusations the defender has repeatedly denied and continues to appeal against.
Lawyer Ioannis Paradissis even claimed Maguire’s criminal record could create visa complications ahead of the World Cup in the United States, warning it “could prevent him from travelling or competing there.”
For many England fans, though, the biggest shock remains the idea of going into another major tournament without one of the country’s most battle-tested defenders — especially after Maguire played key roles at the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.
Now, with Tuchel making ruthless decisions from day one, England’s World Cup campaign is already surrounded by controversy before a ball has even been kicked.
