The bombshell phone call that left Harry Maguire feeling 'shocked and gutted' has been laid bare, with the England defender recounting the awkward conversation he had with boss Thomas Tuchel over his World Cup snub. The Manchester United stalwart described the unusual method of communication used by the England manager, a text message requesting a 4 pm call to deliver the bad news.
Maguire explained that Tuchel typically uses FaceTime to have these kinds of chats with players, but on this occasion opted for a more low-key approach. "It's quite a unique way to do it," Maguire said, "and one that makes it harder for him to see our reactions." The 33-year-old was then told by Tuchel that he couldn't offer a specific excuse for omitting him from the squad, but had instead opted for the four players who'd been central to England's qualifying campaigns in the autumn.
Maguire, a veteran of two World Cups under Gareth Southgate, firmly believes he deserved a place on the plane to North America. He highlighted his impressive performances for Manchester United and his solid showing in the England camp in March, where he "did really well in both games" before returning to Old Trafford and finishing the season strongly.
Now facing the possibility that this could be his last World Cup, Maguire confessed to feeling a sense of unease about his future with England. "I'm 33 now and 37 at the next World Cup," he noted wryly, "it looks far away." But despite his disappointment, Maguire clarified that he wasn't looking for a starting spot – "as long as I was there with the lads" would have been fine by him.
Maguire has seen limited action in an England shirt recently, but remains committed to playing for his country. "I don't think I'd retire from England," he insisted, "I still feel I've got something to offer." Even if that means coming off the bench for one final cap – as Maguire himself put it, "if I got one more cap it would be worth it."
Source: PA