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Thomas Tuchel has been asked to rethink his World Cup plans when it comes to Harry Maguire, with former England full-back Michael Gray telling GOAL why the Manchester United centre-back is worth his “weight in gold” to the Three Lions cause. German tactician Tuchel has big decisions to make ahead of a global gathering in North America this summer.
2017 debut: How many caps has Maguire won for England?
It appeared at one point, after briefly threatening to get lost in the wilderness, that Maguire was destined to miss a boarding pass for the plane that would carry a star-studded team to FIFA’s flagship event.
He was, however, given a cold welcome during the March 2026 international window and featured in friendly dates at Wembley with Uruguay and Japan, taking his senior cap tally to 66.
Many of them have been picked up at major tournaments having featured in two World Cups and a European Championship – helping England reach a semi-final in 2018 and a final against Italy in 2021.
Talent pool: competition for centre-half places in the England team
He never let his country down, despite the
These qualities could be required again in the coming weeks, with the Three Lions hoping to force their way to a first major title in men’s football since 1966. Tuchel has
No nonsense: Why Maguire would be ‘perfect’ for England’s World Cup quest
He never let his country down, amid the odd questions asked about his form at club level and his captaincy duties being taken away from him at Old Trafford, with his vast experience and pragmatic approach to defending considered to have served England well over the years.
Those qualities could be required again in the coming weeks, with the Three Lions hoping to force their way to a first major title in men’s football since 1966. Tuchel has hinted he will put his faith in others, with players like Ezri Konsa, Marc Guehi, Dan Burn, John Stones, Trevoh Chalobah, Fikayo Tomori and Jarell Quansah also treading water in an ever-growing talent pool.
End date: When should Tuchel name his squad for the 2026 World Cup?
There is a distinct lack of tournament know-how within this pack, which could end up working in Maguire’s favor. Gray believes the 33-year-old commander – who has signed a new contract in Manchester – should get the nod.
Explaining this opinion, the three-cap former Sunderland and Wolves full-back – speaking exclusively to AIM courtesy of CasinoCanada – said: “I think he’s been excellent for Man United this season, but I think having that experience in the dressing room is absolutely massive – with maybe Jordan Henderson it looks like he’ll probably be in the World Cup squad as well.
“Just having that experience, those old heads, those people who have been there, seen it and done it before, they are worth their weight in gold and knowing Harry and Jordan, they are the perfect partnership to steady the ship if something seems to go wrong on the odd day.
“I think they’re perfect to be there, and they’ll do Thomas Tuchel’s job for him, and I think that’s what Thomas has taken into account. He can’t do everything by himself, he and his coaches can’t do everything by themselves, so I think having people like Harry and Jordan around the hotel, around the meeting rooms, the game rooms, etc., I think it keeps everyone on an equal footing, so it’s extremely important to have that guy of players around.”
