Tuchel's Bold Statement: Maguire Axed as England World Cup Squad Takes Shape
Harry Maguire has been left "shocked and gutted" after Thomas Tuchel omitted the Manchester United centre-back from England's World Cup squad, in what is shaping up as the defining selection call of the German's early tenure. Multiple sources—including Sky Sports and BBC Sport—confirmed the defender's reaction, with those close to the player describing genuine disbelief after he had featured prominently in the early rounds of qualifying.
The decision lays bare a fundamental tactical shift. Under Gareth Southgate, Maguire was a cornerstone—a left-sided centre-back who offered ball progression and aerial dominance. Tuchel, however, prioritises high defensive lines, rapid recovery pace, and press-resistant distribution. At 32, Maguire's lack of recovery speed in a high line is a liability the German coach is evidently unwilling to carry onto the biggest stage.
The Squad Puzzle
Maguire's omission leaves England searching for solutions at the back. The likely starters? Marc Guéhi, John Stones, and Levi Colwill offer the mobility Tuchel demands. Ezri Konsa provides versatility, while Jarrad Branthwaite's left-footed profile made him an increasingly likely candidate as rumours of Maguire's exclusion swirled. Tuchel now has a settled core but must decide whether to carry four or five centre-halves—and whether a natural left-footer like Colwill or Branthwaite is non-negotiable for balance.
Further forward, the dilemmas are just as thorny. Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice pick themselves, but the third midfield spot—and how Tuchel accommodates Cole Palmer, Phil Foden, and Bukayo Saka in the same XI—remains unresolved. Up top, Harry Kane is captain and talisman, but the back-up striker role is wide open, with Ollie Watkins, Ivan Toney, and Dominic Solanke all making compelling cases.
Elsewhere in Sport
In the Netball Super League, Round 13 serves up a critical block of fixtures with free streams available across Sky Sports platforms. The race for the top four is tightening, and every point carries play-off implications.
Over in Texas, the CJ Cup Byron Nelson is delivering drama on the PGA Tour leaderboards, with a stacked field chasing FedExCup points at TPC Craig Ranch. Golf fans can follow live updates across multiple tour events this weekend.
Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta revealed he learned of Arsenal's Premier League title triumph when his crying son ran into the garden mid-barbecue—a moment the Spaniard described as pure, unfiltered emotion. In other news, the FA has opened an investigation into Southampton over the so-called "Spygate" incident, adding another layer of scrutiny to a turbulent season on the south coast.
As the countdown to the World Cup continues, Tuchel is shaping a squad built for intensity and tactical discipline. Maguire's absence is the headline—but the subplots running through every line of this England side may well define their tournament.