Harry Maguire Left Off England’s Final World Cup Roster

Harry Maguire has been a staple for the Three Lions for nearly a decade, but that officially ended this week.

According to the star, England manager Thomas Tuchel’s final roster for the 2026 World Cup does not include Maguire. The Manchester United center-back has played a big role in his club’s turnaround this season, earning him a call-up to the national team for the final two friendlies before the World Cup. The 33-year-old played all 90 minutes of the first, but just eight in the second. 

Tuchel expressed surprise at Maguire’s public statements, but has confirmed the veteran won’t be on the pitch for the team this summer. 

Maguire “Shocked and Gutted”

Maguire’s late-career struggles and muscle injuries led England to leave him out of the squad for World Cup qualifying. However, the defender looked like his old self for much of this season, helping save Machester United from another embarrassing season. The club went from sixth in the table to third, leading to Maguire’s call-up in March.

While Maguire thought his play would have earned him a spot on the squad, it appears Tuchel and his staff didn’t see enough to make the move. The star says he was “shocked and gutted” when he learned the team’s final decision.

I was confident I could of 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’ve loved nothing more than putting that shirt on and representing my country over the years.

I wish the players, all the… pic.twitter.com/9X7asAkCFF

— Harry Maguire (@HarryMaguire93) May 21, 2026

Maguire Helped Lead England in 2018 and 2022

Many fans in England may share Maguire’s surprise at the roster decision, and for good reason. While the center-back’s level of play has fallen off from his younger days, his World Cup experience speaks for itself.

Maguire debuted with the Three Lions for the 2018 World Cup and was handed a massive role. He helped lead the squad to the semi-finals, finishing with one goal, one assist, and the second-most minutes played for England (645). 

The defender earned another call-up for the 2022 World Cup, where he once again played a lead role for the squad. He registered one assist while starting all five matches for the squad, which lost in the quarter-finals. 

Over his career, Maguire has made 66 appearances for England’s National Team.

Sportsbooks Don’t See Maguire as a Factor

As shocking as the news was for Maguire and many fans, the move didn’t change how bookmakers currently view England’s chances to win the 2026 World Cup.

Several of the best soccer betting sites continue to have England listed as a top-three favorite to win the cup. While their odds are slightly behind those of Spain and France, they remain ahead of powerhouses such as Brazil and Argentina. 

The lack of change shows that bettors and bookmakers believe Maguire’s role on the team would have been limited. That’s hardly surprising, given the aging star wasn’t a part of the squad for qualifying and played only eight minutes in his second and final friendly match in March.