Harry Maguire will not be travelling to North America for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after England head coach Thomas Tuchel personally informed the defender he had been omitted from the 26-man squad.

Maguire broke the news himself via social media ahead of the official Three Lions squad announcement, describing his reaction as feeling "shocked and devastated" upon learning of the decision.

Tuchel opts for younger, more dynamic options

According to reports from talkSPORT, Tuchel is set to hand the defensive responsibility to Chelsea's Levi Colwill, with Ezri Konsa and Marc Guéhi expected to start as the two first-choice centre-backs. Both players impressed during the domestic season, and Konsa's ability to cover at right back is understood to be a key factor in Tuchel's tactical thinking.

Maguire had featured in England's most recent friendly fixtures against Uruguay and Japan. He started and completed the full 90 minutes against Uruguay, then came on as a substitute in the second half of the Japan match. Those outings, however, were not enough to secure his place in the final selection.

A decent club season not enough to save his spot

At Manchester United, Maguire endured some physical setbacks but still finished the campaign as a regular starter in defence. United secured qualification for the UEFA Champions League with a strong run at the end of the Premier League season — a result that reflected well on the backline he was part of.

Despite that, the depth of competition within the England squad worked against the 32-year-old. Tuchel's preference for a more dynamic defensive unit with greater long-term potential ultimately sealed Maguire's fate, leaving one of England's most capped defenders on the outside looking in for what could have been his final World Cup.