Harry Maguire omitted from England's World Cup squad

Harry Maguire has been informed he will not feature in Thomas Tuchel's 26-man England squad for the 2026 World Cup.

The centre-back posted on social media: "I was confident I could [have] 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 best this summer."

Maguire featured in the March international window for England and appeared to be one of the winners from the most recent training camp, where he played in both friendlies against Uruguay and Japan.

His performances for Manchester United led many critics to believe the 33-year-old would be a shoo-in for the World Cup, especially with his experience of representing the Three Lions in major tournaments.

However, Tuchel had previously talked down Maguire's chances of making his squad, insisting he is fifth choice on the German's list of central defenders and those words have come true.

"I got exactly what I thought, solid, solid central-defender play," Tuchel said in March. "That's what he does. Very good on the ball, very calm, strong in the air and in the weapon for set-pieces.

"I haven't changed my mind, but I see other players I like to start for us, I see other players ahead with a different profile.

"I see Ezri Konsa ahead, I see Marc Guehi ahead. It's no secret. I see Trevoh Chalobah on the level of mobility was slightly ahead of him.

"Also John Stones, but he had injuries, so he needed to come to camp.

"Like I said, he has an asset, of course, that he can also be super important in a tournament, in knockout football, in defending a lead and chasing a game with crosses and long throw-ins and set-pieces."

Maguire has started 14 of Manchester United's last 16 Premier League fixtures under Michael Carrick and the former Leicester City defender has been an influential presence as the club achieved a third-place finish.

The former Red Devils captain was rewarded for his form in early April as he signed a new one-year contract with the option to extend for a further year.

Centre-back is an area where England lack options with Marc Guehi, Ezri Konsa and John Stones seemingly the nailed on selections for Tuchel.

Maguire's omission opens the door to Chelsea's Levi Colwill and Newcastle United's Dan Burn.

Colwill has reportedly impressed Tuchel since returning from an ACL injury he sustained on the eve of the season, although the Chelsea central defender has only featured in two Premier League fixtures and the FA Cup final since making his comeback at the start of May.

Despite a lack of minutes, Colwill's performances have not gone unnoticed and the left-footed, ball-playing defender would add balance to Tuchel's centre-back options.