Maguire Shock as Tuchel Leaves United Star Out of World Cup Plans

England manager Thomas Tuchel has made the controversial call to omit Manchester United's Harry Maguire from his 2026 World Cup squad, leaving the centre-back reportedly bewildered by the decision.

The Three Lions boss will unveil his 26-man travelling party on Friday for the tournament being staged across Canada, Mexico and the United States. While a handful of players—including Declan Rice, Jordan Pickford and Harry Kane—were always certain to board the plane, plenty of others have been left sweating on their inclusion.

Maguire finds himself among those disappointed, according to talkSPORT's Ben Jacobs, despite putting together an impressive run of form in the latter stages of the campaign at Old Trafford. Word has it the 26-year-old is genuinely taken aback by his omission.

There's chatter that Chelsea's Levi Colwill could instead pocket a surprise call-up, a notable move given the defender hasn't featured for his country in the best part of a year.

"Exclusive: Harry Maguire excluded from the England squad. Understand Maguire shocked not to make selection," Jacobs posted on X.

Meanwhile, Maguire's United colleague Kobbie Mainoo is poised to make the squad. The midfielder, who warmed the bench during the opening half of the season under Ruben Amorim, is now expected to earn his spot in Tuchel's plans.

"Understand Kobbie Mainoo is expected to make Thomas Tuchel's England squad," Jacobs confirmed.

Morgan Rogers also features among the selected players following an exceptional week. The Aston Villa winger lifted the Europa League trophy on Wednesday evening and was subsequently crowned Player of the Season in that competition—a double celebration that will be capped by his England selection.

"Morgan Rogers will complete an incredible week by being named in Thomas Tuchel's England squad. Place never in doubt after a standout season," Jacobs wrote.

Kane Bullish on England's Chances

Kane has thrown his weight behind the squad's credentials ahead of the tournament, insisting the current crop represents the finest group he's encountered during his England career.

Speaking to the Press Association, the striker outlined his optimism: "I think our squad is as good as we've ever had. When you look at the starting XI, you look at the players coming off the bench, we're going into the tournament as one of the favourites."

He credited the work done under Tuchel's stewardship over recent international windows. "We've been building together as a team over the past few camps under Thomas. I think we've set the standard, and now we look forward to continuing this into the World Cup next month."

Kane acknowledged the unique pull of World Cup football. "There's always something special about playing at the World Cup. There's a special feeling inside, especially when you win. We know how much a World Cup win would mean, not just to us, but to the fans and the country itself. That's what drives us on the pitch, and hopefully we can bring it home for the fans."

Reflecting on his own trajectory, Kane suggested he's now operating at a different level to the younger version of himself who won his first Golden Boot. "I'm at a stage of my career where I'm definitely a different player from what I was 10 years ago. I've learnt a lot from then to now. I'm more experienced. I've developed my game by dropping into those deeper spaces and linking up play."

He pointed to the evolution in his overall approach. "My understanding of the game and my positioning have reached a completely different level. I feel like a much more complete footballer. And honestly, I think I am playing the best football of my career right now. I am enjoying the player that I am now, for sure."