Former England captain Wayne Rooney has shared his thoughts on Harry Maguire being left out of Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the upcoming World Cup, describing the decision as unfortunate given the defender’s recent performances.
Rooney admitted that Maguire’s omission came as a surprise to him, especially considering the Manchester United centre-back’s form and experience at international level. Maguire, who has earned 66 caps for England, played a crucial role in the team’s impressive runs at major tournaments, including reaching the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup in Russia and the quarter-finals in Qatar in 2022.
Although injuries kept Maguire out of Euro 2024, his return to the national setup during the March international fixtures had raised expectations that he would be included in the World Cup squad. However, Tuchel ultimately decided against selecting him, a move Rooney believes was harsh.
Speaking on his podcast, Rooney highlighted that Maguire’s exclusion stood out among all the selection decisions. He suggested that Tuchel may have had strategic reasons, possibly preferring not to include a player he might not use regularly during the tournament. Rooney speculated that the manager may have opted for Dan Burn instead, prioritizing tactical balance or squad dynamics.
Despite disagreeing with the decision, Rooney emphasized that he still trusts Tuchel’s judgment. Having observed the German coach’s work and managerial style over the years, Rooney expressed confidence that Tuchel knows how to build a competitive squad capable of delivering results on the biggest stage.
Rooney, who himself enjoyed an illustrious international career with 120 caps and 53 goals for England, also weighed in on Tuchel’s attacking midfield selections. He believes the manager has largely made the right choices in that area, favoring emerging talents like Morgan Rogers and established stars such as Jude Bellingham over other high-profile names like Phil Foden, Cole Palmer, and Morgan Gibbs-White.
However, Rooney pointed out that managing players like Bellingham could present challenges. He described Bellingham as a “maverick” — a player capable of producing game-changing moments but also someone who may not always align perfectly with a structured tactical system. Rooney stressed that such players are essential in tournaments, as they can make decisive contributions in crucial moments.
He also noted that Tuchel could face criticism depending on how he manages these high-profile players, particularly if difficult decisions are made regarding starting lineups. For example, leaving Bellingham out of the starting XI in favor of Rogers could trigger strong reactions from fans, media, and even within the player’s circle. Rooney believes Tuchel must be prepared to handle such pressure as part of managing a top international side.
Another aspect Rooney discussed was Tuchel’s decision to recall Ivan Toney to the squad. The forward, currently playing for Al-Ahli, has been in prolific form, scoring 32 goals in the Saudi Pro League this season. Before his move in 2024, Toney had already proven himself in the Premier League with Brentford, netting 36 goals in 85 appearances.
Rooney welcomed Toney’s inclusion, praising his goal-scoring instincts and overall development as a striker. He emphasized that having multiple natural goal scorers in the squad is a major advantage, especially in situations where England may need to chase a game.
He appreciated Tuchel’s approach of selecting three traditional number nines, highlighting that in high-pressure matches, it is often more effective to rely on players who specialize in scoring rather than those who primarily focus on playmaking. Rooney believes that putting proven finishers on the pitch increases the chances of turning games around.
Rooney also addressed the perception of players competing in leagues outside Europe, particularly in Saudi Arabia. He dismissed any concerns about Toney’s move affecting his international prospects, pointing out that scoring goals consistently—regardless of the league—is always valuable. He drew a comparison to Cristiano Ronaldo, noting that playing in Saudi Arabia has not diminished Ronaldo’s reputation or effectiveness.
Looking at England’s attacking options, Rooney acknowledged that Harry Kane remains the team’s primary goal scorer and leader in attack. However, he suggested that Tuchel may need to manage Kane’s minutes more carefully, especially in demanding conditions such as high temperatures, humidity, and altitude expected during the tournament across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Rooney believes that rotating strikers and utilizing players like Toney can help keep Kane fresh for crucial moments. He also praised Toney’s ability to hold up the ball and bring others into play, which could prove vital in physically challenging matches.
Reflecting on Toney’s previous role in England’s Euro 2024 campaign under Gareth Southgate, Rooney noted that the striker was mainly used as a substitute when the team needed a goal. He expects a similar role this time but believes Toney’s improved all-around game makes him an even more valuable asset.
Overall, Rooney’s analysis presents a balanced view of Tuchel’s squad selection. While he disagrees with certain decisions—particularly Maguire’s omission—he ultimately supports the manager’s authority and vision. Rooney recognizes that building a successful tournament squad involves difficult choices, and not every decision will satisfy fans or pundits.
As England prepares for the World Cup, the focus will now shift to how Tuchel manages his squad, handles expectations, and navigates the pressures of international football. With a mix of experienced players and emerging talents, the team has the potential to compete at the highest level, but success will depend on cohesion, tactical execution, and key performances at crucial moments.
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