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Thomas Tuchel has been urged to rethink his World Cup plans when it comes to Harry Maguire, with former England full-back Michael Gray explaining to GOAL why the Manchester United centre-half is worth his “weight in gold” to the Three Lions cause. German tactician Tuchel has some big selection calls to make ahead of a global gathering in North America this summer.
Debut in 2017: How many caps has Maguire earned for England?
It appeared at one point, after briefly threatening to get lost in the desert, that Maguire was destined to miss out on a boarding pass for the plane that will bring a star-studded squad to FIFA’s flagship event.
However, he was welcomed back from the cold during the March 2026 international window, appearing in Wembley-based friendlies with Uruguay and Japan – taking his tally of senior caps to 66.
Many of them have been brought in at major tournaments, performing at two World Cups and a European Championship – helping England to a semi-final in 2018 and a final outing against Italy in 2021.
Talent pool: Competition for centre-half places in England’s squad
He has never failed his country, in the midst of the strange
Those qualities could be called upon again in the coming weeks as the Three Lions hope to roar their way to a first major title in the men’s game since 1966. Tuchel has
No nonsense: Why Maguire would be ‘perfect’ for England’s World Cup mission
He has never let his country down, amid the odd question being asked about his form at club level and captaincy duties being taken away from him at Old Trafford, with his vast experience and no-nonsense approach to defense considered to have served England well over the years.
Those qualities could be called upon again in the coming weeks as the Three Lions hope to roar their way to a first major title in the men’s game since 1966. Tuchel has hinted he will put his faith in others, with the likes of Ezri Konsa, Marc Guehi, Dan Burn, John Stones, Trevoh Chalobah, Fikaliyotans also in everyo-an and Jardine. talent pool.
Deadline: When will Tuchel name his 2026 World Cup squad after?
There is a distinct lack of tournament know-how in that pack, which could end up working in Maguire’s favour. Gray believes the commanding 33-year-old – who has signed a new contract in Manchester – should get the nod.
Explaining this opinion, the three-cap former Sunderland and Wolves back – exclusively speaks for GOAL courtesy of Casino Canada – said: “I think he’s been excellent for Man United this season but I think having that experience in the dressing room is absolutely massive – along with maybe Jordan Henderson, he looks like he’s probably going to be part of the World Cup squad as well.
“Just having that experience, the old heads, the people who’ve been there, seen it and done it before, they’re worth their weight in gold and know Harry and know Jordan, they’re the perfect partnership to steady the ship if something seems to go wrong on the odd day.
“I think they’re perfect to be around and they want to do Thomas Tuchel’s job for him and I think that’s what Thomas has taken to heart. He can’t do it all on his own, him and his coaches can’t do it all on their own, so I think having people like Harry and Jordan around the hotel, around the meeting rooms, the games rooms etc, I think it just keeps them all cool so it’s important that everyone is just around.”
