Manchester United's Harry Maguire was left out of Thomas Tuchel's England squad, despite being rewarded with a new contract at Old Trafford due to his impressive performances towards the end of the season.
Should Harry Maguire have made the England squad?
At the start of 2026, Harry Maguire was out of the Manchester United side due to an injury. With Matthijs de Ligt absent through a back problem, Ayden Heaven, Lisandro Martínez and Leny Yoro were starting in a back three. Or, at least, that was the case for the only game of 2026 under Rúben Amorim - a 1-1 draw against Leeds United. However, when Michael Carrick took over from Darren Fletcher after his two-game stint in charge of the first team, Maguire was immediately reinstated to the starting lineup.
The 2-0 win against Manchester City in Carrick's first game in charge - which came after just three days of training - paved the way for several impressive results under the short-term coach, who has since been awarded the full-time role.
When Carrick was first appointed, Maguire's contract was set to expire at the end of the season, along with Casemiro and Tyrell Malacia. While the latter two departed the club, Maguire was rewarded with a new deal that expires in 2027 - there is also an option of a further year.
"Representing Manchester United is the ultimate honour. It is a responsibility that makes myself and my family proud every single day," said the England international after signing the new deal.
"I am delighted to extend my journey at this incredible club to at least eight seasons and continue to play in front of our special supporters to create more amazing moments together.
"You can feel the ambition and potential of this exciting squad. The determination throughout the whole club to fight for major trophies is clear for everyone to see and I am confident that our best moments together remain ahead of us."
Maguire's England absence
Despite his form that saw him earn the new deal, Maguire was not selected for Thomas Tuchel's England World Cup squad. Tuchel chose Marc Guehi, Ezri Konsa, John Stones and Jarell Quansah ahead of Maguire, while Dan Burn could also fill in at centre-back.
Kobbie Mainoo and Marcus Rashford are United's representatives in the England squad.
"I was confident I could of 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," said Maguire on social media. "I've loved nothing more than putting that shirt on and representing my country over the years."
While at 33 years old, Maguire's England blow could hit harder as he may have missed his final opportunity to win the World Cup with the Three Lions, it could save his Manchester United career.
Next season, Maguire will be battling with Matthijs de Ligt, Ayden Heaven, Lisandro Martínez and Leny Yoro for just two positions in Carrick's side. While that has not changed since the end of last term, the availability of other defenders will have.
De Ligt will be back from the beginning of next season - hungry to impress after a difficult season with injuries - Martínez will be back after what he will hope is a back-to-back World Cup win, Heaven will want to start more matches after performing well in others absences, and Yoro will know he needs to step up if he is to fulfill his potential, which saw him join the club for over £50 million.
Unlike De Ligt and Martínez, Maguire will be available from the start of pre-season - further embedding himself into the spine of Michael Carrick's side. With so many signings likely to be added in central midfield, maintaining a solid base of the spine - centre-backs and goalkeeper - will be crucial to United's defensive stability going into next season.
Maguire could force another transfer this summer
Maguire seems to be a favourite of Michael Carrick. In fact, the former Leicester City defender made 23 appearances for United in the Premier League last season, 15 of those coming under Carrick.
Given that he will be available for pre-season, Maguire will likely start the campaign alongside Lisandro Martínez and ahead of Senne Lammens. With a new midfield partnership likely to be ahead of him, Maguire could keep his place as rotation becomes common further up the pitch in the cup competitions, including the Champions League. But where does that leave De Ligt?
Before his injury in November, Matthijs de Ligt had played every minute of the Premier League season for Rúben Amorim. He has since undergone back surgery, with the aim of returning to action at the start of next season. But if Maguire is to keep his place in most matches, De Ligt will not see many minutes, especially if Yoro has impressed with a cameo by that time - that would put the Dutchman as third-choice right-centre-back.
Having spent his career at clubs like Ajax, Bayern Munich and Juventus, De Ligt clearly has top talent, and he is unlikely to accept a role from the bench for too long.
The 26-year-old could be forced to look for pastures new if he cannot find a regular role at Old Trafford. And that would be a shame. But it is a very real possibility.
