Sam Allardyce has urged Harry Maguire to consider rejecting an England call-up for the World Cup following what he described as 'harsh' comments from Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel. The former England manager believes the Manchester United defender should prioritise his own well-being after years of criticism.
Tuchel's Assessment of Maguire
Maguire, 33, was included in Tuchel's expanded 35-man squad for the March friendlies against Uruguay and Japan. After the 1-1 draw with Uruguay, Tuchel stated that Maguire was his fifth-choice centre-back for the World Cup. 'I got exactly what I thought, solid, solid central-defender play,' Tuchel said. 'But I see other players I like to start for us—Ezri Konsa, Marc Guehi, Trevoh Chalobah, and John Stones are ahead.'
Allardyce's Reaction
Allardyce called Tuchel's comments 'a bit harsh' and suggested Maguire should reconsider his availability. 'Harry endured such a difficult time at Manchester United when the club tried to belittle him,' Allardyce told Footy Accumulators. 'He's lost his captaincy, his place in the England squad, and has been criticised heavily. If I was in his position, I'd reconsider going with the camp at all.'
Ferdinand's Criticism
Former Manchester United and England defender Rio Ferdinand also accused Tuchel of insulting Maguire. 'I think Harry Maguire will take that as an insult in some respect,' Ferdinand said on his YouTube channel. 'In Tuchel's eyes, he uses the word mobility. Other guys have more. I get what he's saying, but no one has to agree with it.'
Maguire's International Career
Maguire has earned 66 caps for England since his debut under Gareth Southgate in 2017. He will hope to be named in the provisional squad on Monday, with the final 26-man roster due by May 30. England begin their World Cup campaign against Croatia on June 17, followed by Ghana and Panama in Group L.
Tuchel acknowledged Maguire's strengths, saying: 'He is very good on the ball, calm, strong in the air, and a weapon for set-pieces. He could be important in a tournament, defending a lead or chasing a game with crosses and long throw-ins.'
