“I was confident I could have played a major part this summer for my country after the season I’ve had. I’ve been left shocked and gutted by the decision. I’ve loved nothing more than putting that shirt on and representing my country over the years. I wish the players all the best this summer,” said Harry Maguire yesterday.
The now former England international couldn’t hide his surprise when Thomas Tuchel’s squad was revealed, as he was not on it. The German coach announced his 26-man squad for the World Cup and left out some big names, among them Maguire.
And while other players decided to be silent (or save their dignity if you like), Manchester United defender decided to speak out. And what is worse, his mother and wife spoke out too.
When Maguire posted this statement, his mother Zoe couldn’t resist replying to her son.“You couldn’t have done anymore. Hold your head high…Disgraceful” she wrote, while Maguire’s brothers Joe and Laurence also jumped in to give their thoughts. And off course, his wife Fern decided to give her opinion too, on Instagram post.“Beyond devastated for you. There was nothing else you could have possibly done to prove your worth. I don’t need to tell you how admired you are, just a shame you were up against a single opinion. Forever behind you my love” she wrote.
So, Harry is now in a strange situation where he was picked up regularly when Gareth Southgate was the manager, even though he was in bad form in Manchester, while Tuchel excluded him from the World Cup list when he finally started playing good.“I was a bit surprised. But I respect his personality, his quality; he had an outstanding season. I can see the reason behind the disappointment. But still, I was surprised because we had a private conversation and he had the chance to express his feelings. I can see the reasons he could be in the squad. The decision is we stuck with the central defenders who carried us through the autumn” said Tuchel when asked to comment on Harry Maguire’s statement.
Read Also: Tuchel’s brutal England axe: Foden and Palmer join Maguire on exit list