Ex-England Coach On Maguire's England WC Snub: I'd Have Harry

Former England coach Sam Allardyce has reacted to Harry Maguire not being included in England's squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, even naming the defender he would replace with the Manchester United star.

When the squad was announced and the former Leicester City defender's name was not included, Maguire took to social media to admit that he felt "shocked and gutted" at missing out after the season he had.

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The centre-back proved to be an important member of Michael Carrick's squad, with the Red Devils ending the Premier League campaign in third place and in doing so securing UEFA Champions League football.

Maguire made 25 appearances across all competitions, while also contributing two goals and two assists.

According to Allardyce, the Englishman played an important role in bringing stability back to Old Trafford.

“I’d have Harry Maguire instead of Dan Burn. Harry Maguire was the backbone of the England side for a long time," he said on the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast per Man Utd News.

“I’ve watched him play since he got back into the Man United team, and he’s been one of the reasons the stability has been brought back to the club.

“Defensively, they’re now stable, and that’s allowed them to win more games.”

The former West Ham United manager continued: “The other side to Maguire is that he is, without a shadow of doubt, one of the best passers of the ball as a centre-half in the country.

“There’s always a question mark about his pace, but Bobby Moore was very slow and read the game exceptionally well.

“If you put him alongside someone quick like Marc Guehi, you’ve got a decent combination there.”

“I’m not being unfair here, but I’d say he’s a better choice than Dan Burn, who’s had a difficult time at Newcastle this year.”