Harry Maguire reacts to England World Cup snub, will Cole Palmer follow suit?

Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has expressed shock and disappointment after reportedly being left out of England’s FIFA World Cup squad by head coach Thomas Tuchel. The decision, which is yet to be officially confirmed by the Football Association, comes ahead of the squad announcement scheduled for Friday, May 22, with reports also suggesting a surprise omission of Cole Palmer.

The omissions represent a major setback for both players, but they are not the only surprising exclusions from the squad. Phil Foden, Luke Shaw, Fikayo Tomori, Morgan Gibbs-White and Jack Grealish are also understood to have been left out of Thomas Tuchel’s selection.

Meanwhile, Ivan Toney, who currently plays for Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli, Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, Newcastle United defender Tino Livramento and Arsenal winger Noni Madueke are among the players who have been included in the squad for the fast-approaching tournament.

The development is particularly striking given Maguire’s resurgence at club level, where he played a key role in Manchester United’s strong Premier League campaign, helping them secure a third-placed finish and UEFA Champions League qualification. The defender, who has earned 66 caps for England, had regained a consistent place in the starting XI, featuring in 14 of United’s final 16 league matches after previously falling out of favour during Ruben Amorim’s managerial spell.

Maguire took to social media to confirm the omission and share his reaction, making clear his disappointment at the decision. “I was confident I could have played a major part this summer for my country after the season I’ve had,” Maguire wrote. “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.”

Despite his recent return to form, Tuchel had already hinted earlier in the season that Maguire was not among his first-choice defenders. After England’s 1-1 draw against Uruguay in March, the England manager offered a measured but revealing assessment of the centre-back’s performance and standing within the squad.

WORLD CUP PREPARATIONS GATHER PACE

“I got exactly what I thought, solid, solid central-defender play,” Tuchel said, as quoted by Sky Sports. “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.”

He also underlined that tactical balance and player profiles would play a major role in selection decisions, suggesting that competition in central defence remains extremely tight.

These absences will inevitably spark debate among fans and pundits, especially given his experience in major tournaments and his leadership presence in previous England squads.

England are placed in Group L for the upcoming FIFA World Cup and will begin their campaign against Croatia in Dallas on June 17. They will then face Ghana on June 23 before concluding their group-stage fixtures against Panama on June 27.

With the squad announcement imminent, Tuchel is expected to finalise his core group of players who will travel to the tournament as England look to mount another serious challenge for global glory.