Thomas Tuchel Leaves Harry Maguire Out of England Nations League Plans
Harry Maguire remains outside England’s plans as Thomas Tuchel prepares for the start of a new UEFA Nations League campaign, despite the Manchester United defender regaining his place in the national squad earlier this year.
Maguire’s England position
- After an 18-month absence, Maguire returned to the England group for March 2026 friendlies against Uruguay and Japan ahead of the World Cup.
- He was not selected for the tournament in North America, with John Stones, Ezri Konsa, Marc Guehi, Dan Burn and Jarell Quansah preferred in central defence. Trevoh Chalobah was subsequently brought in after Tino Livramento suffered an injury.
- The 33-year-old expressed his frustration at missing the World Cup, having previously played a significant role for England at major finals.
- He has again been omitted for the Nations League fixtures against Spain, Czechia and Croatia over the coming fortnight.
England begin Group A3 at Wembley on Saturday against World Cup holders Spain. The squad will then face Czechia and Croatia, while Maguire remains at Manchester United.
United revival has not changed international outlook
Maguire’s club future had appeared uncertain after he lost the Manchester United captaincy and spent periods out of the starting side. He has since restored enough trust at Old Trafford to agree a fresh one-year contract.
He has also featured regularly under Michael Carrick during the 2026-27 campaign, as United attempt to address problems at the back. That return to prominence has prompted suggestions that his experience could yet be useful to England, but Tuchel has not moved to recall him.
Walker urges focus on club football
Former England player Kyle Walker believes Maguire’s international prospects are limited for now, while insisting the defender should prioritise consistency with United rather than chase a quick route back into the national setup.
Walker said Maguire had endured a difficult period for confidence, noting that mistakes and defeats can quickly intensify scrutiny. His advice was for the centre-back to establish himself again at club level and rediscover the form he showed previously.
Walker added that Maguire should not rule out England entirely. An opening could emerge if injuries strike or circumstances change, but he believes any future call-up should follow sustained performances for United.
Assessing United’s recent meeting with Fulham, Walker said neither defensive unit had looked well organised and felt the game could easily have produced five goals for each side. He maintained that Maguire has the ability, while warning that England’s defence is not beyond examination either.
Walker pointed to the importance of defensive solidity in winning titles, citing Arsenal as an example. In his view, a side that regularly requires two or three goals simply to secure victories will eventually be placed under too much pressure.
Tottenham next for winless United
Maguire will spend the international break training at Carrington as United prepare for Tottenham at Old Trafford on October 10. Carrick’s side are without a win in their past three matches and have collected only two points from the last nine available in the Premier League.
