Former Manchester United and England captain Wayne Rooney says Harry Maguire should feel “very unlucky” to not be with Thomas Tuchel’s England side at the World Cup squad this summer.
The United defender Harry Maguire, who has made 66 appearances for his country. He was part of the England side that reached the semi-finals of the football World Cup in Russia in 2018. He then went on to make the last eight in Qatar in 2022.
Maguire Has Been An England First Choice
Maguire was ruled out of Euro 2024 with injury. But a recent recall for the March internationals had raised the 33 year olds hopes and chances of heading to the tournament. The 2026 World Cup is just days away across the USA, Mexico and Canada.
Maguire, known for always giving it all for his country, like former Captain Wayne Rooney. Who earlier this week was talking on his podcast said “I think the Maguire one was the big one for me, which was bit of shock.”
In the build up to the World Cup, Thomas Tuchel confirmed he would pick his squad based on form. Which is why Rooney went on to say “I think if you look at him on form, I think Harry Maguire is very unlucky not to be in it. Maybe he’s [Thomas Tuchel] thinking he doesn’t want to be disrespectful to Harry Maguire and take him and not play him. I don’t know.”
Dan Burn over Harry Maguire
“I’m sure they’ve had conversations. The big call out of the defenders [was probably] Harry or Dan Burn and Tuchel has obviously chosen to go with Dan.”
“Even the decisions I don’t like, I think I’ve got a trust in Tuchel and in him as a manager from everything we’ve seen.”
Wayne Rooney, 40, won 120 caps and scored 53 goals for England between 2003 and 2018.
And having represented his country at six major tournaments. He feels the England boss has made, mostly, the right calls. Especially in number 10 position. With Morgan Rogers and Jude Bellingham getting the call up. Meaning Phil Foden, Cole Palmer and Morgan Gibbs-White are left at home.
In Form Morgan Rogers or Starman Jude Bellingham
The question is, how will it go down with the media and the fans? If Aston Villa’s Rogers is selected ahead of Real Madrid’s Bellingham?
“I think that’s a challenge which Tuchel has to be ready for,” Rooney added.
“I’m sure he’s prepared and if he doesn’t start, I’m sure he knows what comes with that from the media, from Jude, from Jude’s family.
“Obviously you’ve got Jude who’s missed camps, but you can’t leave him out of the squad.
“I think Jude would probably be the one who goes against what Thomas Tuchel is trying to create for this tournament. He is a maverick and you’ve got to accept that. You need that type of player in your World Cup squad.
“Jude has moments, big moments. We’ve already seen that. So there’s the evidence.”
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