Manchester United interim manager Michael Carrick believes Harry Maguire has earned serious consideration for England’s 2026 World Cup squad. The defender’s recent performances have revived discussions about his international future.
The England national football team will soon face the Uruguay and Japan in international friendly matches, with both fixtures set to take place at the Wembley Stadium in London.
Importantly, the games offer the final chance for coach Thomas Tuchel to evaluate players. Afterward, the German manager must finalise his squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
Carrick, however, believes Maguire has quietly rebuilt his case for international selection. The United boss highlighted the defender’s resilience following a lengthy injury setback.
“Harry has been playing well, considering you look back not too long ago, and he was out for a considerable period of time, injured,” said Carrick. “He came straight back in when we arrived.”
According to Carrick, careful management has helped restore the centre-back’s match sharpness. He also praised Maguire’s calm leadership in demanding moments.
Carrick praises Maguire’s experience as England squad decision draws near
“There has been a bit of managing him through the weeks and the games and getting him right up to speed physically,” Carrick said.
“I think he has just shown his experience, the composure in certain situations.”
Carrick believes Maguire’s international pedigree could still prove valuable for England. After all, the defender understands the pressure of major tournaments.
“He knows what it feels like, he knows what it takes and he has done ever so well,” Carrick further stated. Accoridng to the former United midfielder, those qualities may influence Tuchel’s final decision.
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However, the manager acknowledged that selection ultimately rests with the national team staff.
Still, he remains hopeful Maguire’s resurgence will be rewarded.
“Whatever is going to happen with England is going to happen with England. But he has definitely put himself back in the frame, if he was ever out of it,” Carrick noted. The interim gaffer ended his remarks with a clear show of support for his defender. “He’s definitely in the frame and hopefully from my point of view he gets picked and he goes.”
Tags: Michael Carrick, Harry Maguire, Manchester United, #MUFC, #GGMU, England men’s national football team, Three Lions, Tuchel.
