Zoe Maguire, the mother of Manchester United defender Harry Maguire, has condemned Thomas Tuchel’s decision to leave her son out of the England squad for the 2026 World Cup, calling it a disgrace. The 26-man squad for the tournament in the United States, Mexico, and Canada was announced on Friday, with Maguire notably absent.
Speaking out on social media, Zoe expressed her disgust at the omission. In response to Harry’s own statement about being dropped, she wrote, ‘You couldn’t have done any more. Hold your head high … Disgraceful.’ She also posted a separate message saying, ‘Absolutely disgusted.’
Harry Maguire, who has been a key figure for England in past tournaments, revealed his shock and devastation at the decision. In a social media post, he said, ‘I was confident I could have played a significant role this summer for my country after the season I’ve had. I’ve been left shocked and devastated by the decision. I’ve cherished every moment of wearing that shirt and representing my country over the years. I wish the players all the best this summer.’
The exclusion of the former Manchester United captain has sparked debate among fans and pundits, with many questioning Tuchel’s choice. Zoe’s strong words have added to the controversy surrounding the squad selection.