Tuchel Names Mainoo and Rashford in England Squad
Thomas Tuchel has turned to Manchester United for part of England’s future – but he has little time for how one of their senior defenders handled his past.
The England head coach has named Kobbie Mainoo and Marcus Rashford in his latest squad for the extended international break, rewarding the pair for their strong starts to the season at Old Trafford. Mainoo’s rise continues at pace, while Rashford’s form has pushed him back into the national picture.
Harry Maguire, though, remains on the outside looking in – and Tuchel has made it clear he was unimpressed by the centre-back’s public reaction to missing out on his World Cup squad.
Tuchel unimpressed by Maguire backlash
Maguire, who has rebuilt his status under Michael Carrick at United, was left out of Tuchel’s World Cup plans despite his resurgence. The decision hit him hard.
"I was confident I could have played a major part this summer for my country after the season I’ve had," Maguire posted on social media at the time. "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."
The frustration did not stop there. His mother Zoe called the call "absolutely disgusted" in her own post, while his brother Joe wrote: "This might possibly be the worst decision I've ever seen in my life. No words."
Maguire later lifted the lid on the conversation that ended his World Cup hopes. Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast from New York, he explained how Tuchel delivered the news.
"He [Tuchel] FaceTimes everyone. It was quite an awkward call," Maguire said. "I said straightaway I was really disappointed. I thought I did enough to be in the squad and thought I could have helped and had a part to play on and off the pitch.
"He said he can't give me an excuse but he had gone with the four lads who got him through the qualifiers.
"It was tough to take. I did think I would be in the squad after being selected for the March camp under him for the first time. I did really well in both games and then went back to Manchester United and finished the season really strongly."
Tuchel has now responded, and he did not hide his irritation.
"It does not help," he told talkSPORT when asked about Maguire’s public comments. "I will not hold it against him for the rest of his life, because I’m not that type of person. I can forget easily and quickly.
"But I didn’t like it and it doesn’t help. I’ve not spoken to him since."
United duo fly the flag
While Maguire’s England future hangs in the balance, United will still be well represented in the coming Nations League fixtures against Spain, Czechia and Croatia.
Mainoo, whose composure and maturity have stood out in United’s midfield, keeps his place. Rashford, back among the goals and driving at defenders again, also makes the cut.
Two United players in, one very notable name still out. Tuchel has drawn his line. Whether Maguire can cross it again is now down to what he does next – and how quietly he does it.
