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Thomas Tuchel has revealed his disappointment at Harry Maguire’s ‘unnecessary’ reaction to missing out on England’s World Cup squad.
The news of the Manchester United defender’s omission became known on Thursday afternoon and within minutes he had responded with a statement, in which he said he was ‘shocked and gutted’ by the decision.
His mother, Zoe, later said she was ‘disgusted’ by her son’s ‘disgraceful’ exclusion.
But Tuchel was not impressed and, after naming his 26-man group for North America at Wembley, the head coach said: ‘I was surprised and I think it (Maguire’s reaction) was not necessary.
’I respected his personality and quality a lot, he had an outstanding season. But still, I was a bit surprised because we had a private conversation when he could express his feelings and that was fair enough.
‘I felt his disappointment. I felt that he was upset. I can see all the arguments to have him in camp. But it’s just a decision, not a personal decision, just a decision for someone else.
Thomas Tuchel admitted his disappointment at Harry Maguire’s ‘unnecessary’ statement after being left out of England’s World Cup squad
Maguire’s mother Zoe (right) branded the decision ‘disgraceful’ in a social media post
‘It (his response) was not necessary, let’s put it like this.’
Talking about a squad that also saw the likes of Cole Palmer and Phil Foden left out, Tuchel added: ‘It’s not necessarily the best and most talented player (who is picked). It’s the best team. We chose a very balanced squad.
‘I can guarantee we have 26 players who are committed to team spirit and being unselfish. We have to pick the squad we are convinced by and who we love.
‘It comes down to who do we really trust? Who delivered? Who helped with the culture? Who are the leaders? It’s about the energy, the connection and the trust.’
