Harry Maguire secures unexpected role ahead of World Cup
Harry Maguire has secured an unexpected new role this summer after missing out on Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the World Cup, reports BritPanorama.
The Manchester United defender was one of the most notable omissions when Tuchel named his travelling party, despite an impressive campaign that many believed had reinstated him in international contention. Maguire had rebuilt his reputation following a difficult period in his career and established himself as a key figure under Michael Carrick at Old Trafford.
However, his resurgence was not sufficient to sway Tuchel, who opted to include defenders such as Dan Burn and Jarell Quansah instead. Now, at 33, Maguire appears set for a different World Cup experience.
According to The Athletic, Maguire is expected to feature in Netflix’s new adaptation of the popular “The Rest Is Football” podcast. The streaming giant is transforming the successful show into a television series for the tournament, featuring a host of football personalities throughout the competition.
The programme reportedly follows Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer, and Micah Richards as they cover events across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Several guest appearances are anticipated, with Maguire among the names lined up to contribute, alongside reporter Alex Aljoe and former footballer Rob Jones, with coverage planned from inside England’s camp.
This opportunity could provide a welcome distraction for Maguire following the disappointment of being excluded from football’s biggest stage. The defender made no secret of his feelings after learning of Tuchel’s plans, expressing himself clearly on social media.
In a heartfelt message, Maguire admitted he was “shocked and gutted” by the decision. He stated, “I was confident I could have played a major part this summer for my country after the season I’ve had.” He reaffirmed his passion for representing his country, wishing the team well during the tournament.
The reaction from Maguire’s family reflected similar emotions. His wife, Fern, publicly supported him, saying he had done everything to secure a spot in the squad and described herself as “beyond devastated.” Maguire’s mother, Zoe, expressed her frustration over the decision, voicing her sentiments in a strongly worded social media post.
Following his exclusion, Maguire has been making the most of his unexpected free time, recently going on holiday with Fern while England’s squad continues preparations for the tournament.
As expectations rise around the World Cup, this turn of events serves as a reminder of how quickly fortunes can shift in football—something all players are acutely aware of.
