Manchester United duo Harry Maguire and Kobbie Mainoo have learned their fates ahead of England’s World Cup squad announcement on Friday.
Journalist Ben Jacobs has confirmed that Maguire is set to be excluded from the squad.
Left-back Luke Shaw has also been left out. However, Mainoo is expected to be included, following his brilliant end to the season.
Reacting to his omission, Maguire told talkSPORT: “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.”
Maguire’s exclusion from England World Cup squad unsurprising
The 33-year-old was a mainstay in the England set-up until 2024 when he started struggling with injuries and form.
Since starting the 1-0 international friendly loss to Brazil in March 2024, the centre-back has featured just three times for the Three Lions.
He has played just twice under manager Thomas Tuchel, having played against Uruguay and Japan in March.
Maguire believes he is ‘one of the best defenders in the world in both boxes‘, but Tuchel appears not to be a big fan of the former Leicester City man.
The England boss told reporters in March that there are ‘other players ahead with a different profile’.
Maguire has made 66 appearances for England, featuring twice at the World Cup and once in the European Championship.
He would be devastated by the decision to leave him out as he is unlikely to feature at another World Cup again given his age and the prs
His exclusion means that he would be available at the start pre-season.
United will begin their pre-season in July and have lined up five friendlies, including matches against UEFA Champions League holders Paris Saint-Germain and Atletico Madrid.
Stats from tranfermarkt.com
