Online Reporter
HARRY MAGUIRE struggled to hide his disappointment when he was seen in public for the first time since missing out on England’s World Cup squad.
The centre-back, 33, failed to make the cut despite being a key man in Manchester United’s successful push for Champions League qualification.
And Maguire looked glum when he was spotted driving to the Red Devils’ Carrington training ground ahead of the final Premier League showdown of the season against Brighton.
The 66-cap star had been certain of boarding the flight to North America after earning a call-up during the last international break.
But Maguire hit out at England chief Thomas Tuchel after being told he would not be in the 26-man squad gunning for World Cup glory.
In a post shared on social media, he wrote: “I was confident I could’ve 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.”Maguire’s wife Fern Hawkins also waded into the controversial call to not include him in the squad.
She said: “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.”
And Maguire’s mum, Zoe, did not hold back when she uploaded furious posts on to social media.
She wrote: “Absolutely disgusted. You couldn’t have done any more. Hold your head high… Disgraceful.”
Tuchel was stunned when he saw Maguire had gone public with his anger at being snubbed for the World Cup.
The ex-Chelsea chief, 52, said: “I was a bit surprised but I respect his personality a lot, I respect his quality a lot.
“He has had an outstanding season, I can see the disappointment, I can see the reason behind the disappointment.
“Still I was a bit surprised because we had a private conversation and he had the chance to express his feelings which he did and this is fair enough because I can see all the reasons why he could be in the squad.
“But, the decision is that we stood firmly with our central defenders that carried us through September, October and November.
“Some of them are part of the leadership group that took ownership and set the standards high.
“It was a decision for these 26 players, even if it feels against individuals.”
Phil Foden, Cole Palmer and Trent Alexander-Arnold are also among the star-studded names who will have to watch the World Cup from home.
Marc Guehi, John Stones, Ezri Konsa, Jarell Quansah and Dan Burn will be England’s options at the heart of the backline in Maguire’s absence . — Sun..
