Harry Maguire has broken his silence after being told he will not be part of England's squad for the 2026 World Cup, describing himself as "shocked and gutted" by a decision that will come as a significant blow to the Manchester United centre-back.

Thomas Tuchel is set to formally announce his final 26-man squad on Friday, but it has already emerged that Maguire — who featured in England's recent friendlies against Japan and Uruguay — will not be making the trip to North America this summer. AC Milan's Fikayo Tomori is also among the central defensive options to miss out, despite also being included in that previous squad.

Maguire took to Instagram to express his feelings candidly. "I was confident I could have played a major part this summer for my country after the season I've had," he wrote. "I've been left shocked and gutted by the decision. I wish the players all the best."

Shaw also set to miss out despite impressive form

Maguire is not the only Old Trafford man to be cut from Tuchel's plans. Luke Shaw, who had a strong campaign at club level and had been included in the manager's preliminary 55-man provisional squad, is also expected to be omitted. There had been considerable public support for Shaw's inclusion, but it appears Tuchel has opted for other options at left-back.

Newcastle United's Dan Burn and Manchester City's Nico O'Reilly are both understood to be in line for call-ups, suggesting the Germany-born head coach is willing to back players who may offer different attributes across the back line.

Arsenal contingent set to feature prominently

While there is disappointment for some, there is better news at Arsenal. Winger Noni Madueke is expected to be named in the final squad and will join club colleagues Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice in travelling to the tournament. It is a significant moment for Madueke, who will be hoping to make his mark on the biggest stage in football.

England's road to the World Cup

The tournament itself gets under way on 11 June, spread across venues in the United States, Mexico and Canada. Before then, England will use friendlies against New Zealand and Costa Rica to sharpen their preparations.

When competitive action begins, Tuchel's side open their campaign against Croatia on 17 June — a fixture that carries obvious historical weight given England's defeat to the same opponents in the semi-finals of the 2018 edition. Matches against Ghana and Panama follow in the group stage.

For Maguire, who has had to fight for his place in the national setup for much of his career, this omission will sting particularly hard. He had evidently believed his club performances this season had done enough to warrant a place in the party. Tuchel, it seems, has decided otherwise — and the England manager will hope that call is ultimately vindicated come the end of the tournament.

The full squad announcement on Friday will provide clarity on exactly who Tuchel has placed his faith in as England prepare for what they hope will be a defining summer.

Frequently asked

Why has Harry Maguire been left out of the England World Cup squad?
Thomas Tuchel has not given a public explanation, but Maguire confirmed on Instagram that he was surprised by the decision despite feeling he had a strong season at club level. The full squad is due to be announced on Friday.
Who is in England's World Cup squad for 2026?
Tuchel's final 26-man squad will be announced on Friday 23 May 2026. Arsenal's Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice and Noni Madueke are expected to be included, while Harry Maguire, Fikayo Tomori and Luke Shaw are set to miss out.
When do England play their first World Cup 2026 game?
England kick off their 2026 World Cup campaign against Croatia on 17 June. They then face Ghana and Panama in the group stage. The tournament runs across the United States, Mexico and Canada from 11 June.