England manager Thomas Tuchel has excluded Manchester United defender Harry Maguire from the final 26-man World Cup squad, which is scheduled for official announcement on Friday, May 22, 2026.
The decision prevents the 66-cap defender from traveling to North America for the tournament, despite his participation in recent international friendlies under Tuchel.
Maguire stated 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 wish the players all the best."
The center-back had recently secured a regular starting role under Manchester United manager Michael Carrick, opening 14 of the club's final 16 Premier League fixtures after previously losing his spot under Ruben Amorim.
Tuchel Explains Selection Choices
Tuchel previously indicated that other central defenders remained ahead of Maguire in the national team hierarchy following an international match against Uruguay.
"I got exactly what I thought, solid, solid central-defender play," Tuchel said, praising Maguire's composure and aerial strength but noting that structural preferences dictated the selection choice.
"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," Tuchel explained.
The manager specifically named alternative defensive options: "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."
Tuchel also noted that John Stones needed to come to camp after recovering from injuries.
Kane Backs Squad Depth
England captain Harry Kane expressed confidence in the overall depth of the remaining roster. "I think our squad is as good as we've ever had," Kane said.
"When you look at the starting XI, you look at the players coming off the bench, we're going into the tournament as one of the favourites," he argued.
Kane noted that the team has been building together under Tuchel over recent camps.
"We've set the standard, and now we look forward to continuing this into the World Cup next month," he stated.
Reflecting on his own form, Kane said: "I'm at a stage of my career where I'm definitely a different player from what I was 10 years ago.
I feel like a much more complete footballer. And honestly, I think I am playing the best football of my career right now."
According to reports from BBC Sport, talkSPORT, and Sky Sports, Fikayo Tomori and Luke Shaw are also projected to miss the tournament, while Levi Colwill, Dan Burn, Noni Madueke, Nico O'Reilly, Kobbie Mainoo, and Morgan Rogers are in line for inclusion.
The England squad is scheduled to travel to their tournament base in Kansas City, Missouri on June 1, ahead of friendlies against New Zealand and Costa Rica, before opening Group L against Croatia on June 17 in Dallas.
