Maguire Pushes for Tuchel's World Cup Squad Selection

Maguire Pushes for Tuchel’s World Cup Squad Selection

Harry Maguire expressed his determination to secure a place in Thomas Tuchel’s 26-man England squad for the World Cup in North America. The 33-year-old Manchester United centre-back maintains he remains among the world’s elite defenders, despite his age.

Maguire earned a recall last month for England’s friendlies against Uruguay and Japan, marking his return to international football after an absence since 2024. The tournament runs from June 11 to July 19.

Competition for centre-back positions remains fierce. Ezri Konsa, Marc Guehi, John Stones, and Trevoh Chalobah present significant obstacles to squad inclusion.

Maguire spoke candidly about the opportunity. “I think it would be my last World Cup,” he stated at Manchester United’s training camp in Maynooth, Ireland. “I’ve been to two but I missed out on the Euros two years ago through injury, which hurt a lot. So, I’m desperate to go, in whatever role the manager would want me for; whether that’s starting or deciding games late on.”

The defender’s confidence in his abilities remains unshaken.

“I still believe, even at my age, I’m arguably one of the best defenders in the world in both boxes.”

Maguire recently extended his commitment to Manchester United through 2027, with an option for an additional year. He highlighted the club’s need for strong recruitment during the close season to compete effectively in the coming campaign.

England’s World Cup Path

England faces Croatia, Ghana, and Panama in Group L. The campaign opens against Croatia on June 17 in Dallas.

Follow TipsGG for complete coverage of England’s World Cup campaign and squad announcements.