Overview
- Thomas Tuchel left Harry Maguire out of his 26-man England squad for the 2026 World Cup, selecting Marc Guéhi, Ezri Konsa, Jarell Quansah, Dan Burn and John Stones as his centre-backs.
- Maguire said he was “shocked and gutted” and described receiving the news in an awkward FaceTime call from Tuchel.
- Rather than return home, the 33-year-old travelled to North America, appeared on Gary Lineker’s podcast, met Manchester United supporters in New York and was filmed handing out Panini World Cup stickers at Rockefeller Centre.
- Video of the Panini stall appearance went viral on social media, generating widespread fan and pundit reaction that has kept debate over Tuchel’s selections alive as England prepare to play Ghana on June 23.
- The episode highlights Tuchel’s preference for continuity and mobility in his back line and leaves Maguire facing public scrutiny over his international future while his family and supporters voiced strong disappointment.