Thomas Tuchel has admitted Harry Maguire’s reaction to his World Cup omission ‘didn’t help’ in a telling message about his England future.

The Manchester United defender was once again overlooked by Tuchel in his 27-man squad for the Three Lions’ upcoming Nations League fixtures.

Harry Maguire for England.
Harry Maguire’s omission earlier this summer saw him miss out on a third straight World Cup with England
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His continued exclusion came despite England being thin on the ground defensively, with World Cup stars John Stones and Dan Burn both not in the latest squad due to injury.

However, instead of recalling Maguire, Tuchel picked Everton‘s Jarrad Branthwaite in his first call-up since June 2024.

The move is a strong hint over Maguire’s international future, following his public criticism of Tuchel for leaving him out of his World Cup group.

Maguire broke the news of his exclusion last May before the official announcement and told talkSPORT he had been left ‘shocked’ by it.

His mother, Zoe, also fumed at the decision on social media, tweeting that she was ‘absolutely disgusted’ by Tuchel’s call.

Tuchel’s honest Maguire reaction

Following Maguire’s latest omission, Tuchel has now admitted he was not a fan of his behaviour earlier this summer.

Asked about the centre-back’s public response to his World Cup snub, the German responded: “It does not help.

“I will not hold it against him for the rest of his life, because I’m not that type of person. I can forget easily and quickly.

“But I didn’t like it and it doesn’t help. I’ve not spoken to him since.”

After a resurgent 2025/26 season, Maguire has remained a regular starter for Man United in their difficult start this term.

Thomas Tuchel during an England press conference.
Thomas Tuchel didn’t appear to have given a Maguire recall much thought
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Harry Maguire during an England game
Maguire’s World Cup snub saw him miss out on a second consecutive major tournament with England
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He has started in all four of the Red Devils’ opening Premier League games, which has seen them win just once and lose twice – including last weekend’s controversial Manchester derby defeat.

Alexander-Arnold given clear instructions

As well as Maguire, another major talking point from Tuchel’s squad announcement was Trent Alexander-Arnold‘s return to the fold.

The right-back had fallen out of favour following his move to Real Madrid in the summer of 2025, and was subsequently left out of the World Cup squad.

But after World Cup stars Reece James and Djed Spence were both ruled out of the upcoming internationals through injury, Alexander-Arnold has now been handed a second chance.

With Tuchel appearing not to trust the attack-minded full-back defensively though, the England boss admitted he must showcase his ability without the ball.

He warned: “I am not sure a lot of things have changed.

Trent Alexander-Arnold looks on during a Real Madrid game
Trent Alexander-Arnold is back with the Three Lions for the first time since June 2025
AFP

“I know what he is capable of. I know about his talent. He is desperate to play for England and he will fight for his shirt.”

Tuchel added: “It’s a long camp and it’s a good moment to show up.

“But now he has to offer enough defensively, he has to. It’s necessary. My conviction is that he will but he has no choice.”

The 53-year-old also insisted Alexander-Arnold would play as a right-back for England, despite starting in central midfield for Real Madrid in their Champions League win over Inter Milan earlier this month.

Alexander-Arnold has made five appearances for the Spanish giants this season, starting three out of their seven games.

And Tuchel said: “He had a good start in two positions for Real Madrid and he comes as a right-back for us.”