In a media interview, England head coach Thomas Tuchel admitted that Harry Maguire's reaction to being left out of the World Cup squad was "not helpful," sending a clear signal regarding his future with the national team. The Manchester United defender was once again omitted by Tuchel from England's 27-man squad for their upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures.
Despite England being shorthanded in the defensive line—with World Cup mainstays John Stones and Dan Burn both missing the latest squad through injury—Maguire still failed to earn a call-up. Rather than recalling Maguire, Tuchel opted for Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite, marking his first national team inclusion since June 2024.
This decision serves as a strong indication regarding Maguire's international future, following his public criticism of Tuchel's choice to omit him from the World Cup squad. Maguire revealed the news of his omission last May prior to the official announcement, telling talkSPORT that he was "shocked" by the decision. His mother, Zoe, also voiced her outrage over Tuchel's decision on social media, posting that she felt "absolute disgust" towards Tuchel's selection.
Tuchel's Honest Response to Maguire
Following Maguire's latest omission, Tuchel admitted that he did not appreciate the latter's behavior earlier this summer. When asked about the centre-back's public reaction to being dropped from the World Cup, the German tactician replied: “It wasn't helpful.”
“I will not hold a grudge against him for the rest of my life because I'm not that kind of person. I can forget easily and very quickly. But I did not like that, and it wasn't helpful. I haven't spoken to him since.”
Following a resurgence in the 2025/26 season, Maguire has remained a regular starter during Manchester United's troubled start to the current campaign. He started all of Manchester United's opening four Premier League matches, in which the team secured just one victory and suffered two defeats—including last weekend's controversial Manchester derby loss.
Beyond Maguire, another headline takeaway from Tuchel's squad announcement was the recall of Trent Alexander-Arnold. The right-back had fallen out of favour following his move to Real Madrid in the summer of 2025 and was subsequently left out of the World Cup squad.
However, after World Cup regulars Reece James and Djed Spence were both ruled out of the upcoming international fixtures through injury, Alexander-Arnold has been handed a second chance. Although Tuchel appears skeptical of the attacking full-back's defensive capabilities, the England boss acknowledged that he must prove what he can deliver out of possession.
He warned: "I'm not sure a lot of things have changed. I know what he can do. I know his talent. He is desperate to play for England, and he will fight for his shirt." Tuchel added: “It is a long training camp and a good opportunity to showcase himself. But now he must provide enough on the defensive end; he simply has to. It is necessary. I trust that he will do it, but he has no choice.”
The 53-year-old manager also maintained that Alexander-Arnold will feature as a right-back for England, despite starting in midfield earlier this month in Real Madrid's Champions League victory over Inter Milan.
