Thomas Tuchel urged to rethink World Cup plans when it comes to ‘perfect’ Harry Maguire - with Man Utd defender worth his ‘weight in gold’ to England

It appeared at one stage, having briefly threatened to become lost in the wilderness, that Maguire was destined to miss out on a boarding pass for the plane that will be carrying a star-studded squad to FIFA’s flagship event.

He was, however, welcomed back in from the cold during the international fixture window of March 2026 and figured in Wembley-based friendly dates with Uruguay and Japan - taking his tally of senior caps to 66.

Plenty of those have been picked up at major tournaments having graced two World Cups and a European Championship - helping England to a semi-final in 2018 and a final outing against Italy in 2021.

He has never let his country down, amid the odd question being asked of his form at club level and captaincy duties being taken off him at Old Trafford, with his vast experience and no-nonsense approach to defending considered to have served England well down the years.

Those qualities may be required again over the coming weeks, with the Three Lions hoping to roar their way to a first major title in the men’s game since 1966. Tuchel has hinted that he will be placing faith in others, with the likes of Ezri Konsa, Marc Guehi, Dan Burn, John Stones, Trevoh Chalobah, Fikayo Tomori and Jarell Quansah also treading water in an ever-deepening talent pool.

There is a distinct lack of tournament know-how within that pack, which could end up working in Maguire’s favour. Gray believes that the commanding 33-year-old - who has signed a new contract in Manchester - should be getting the nod.

Explaining that opinion, the three-cap former Sunderland and Wolves full-back - speaking exclusively to GOAL courtesy of Casinocanada - said: “I think he's been excellent for Man United this season, but I think having that experience in the dressing room is absolutely huge - along with maybe Jordan Henderson, it looks like he's probably going to be part of the World Cup squad as well.

“Just having that experience, those old heads, those people who've been there, seen it and done it before, they're worth their weight in gold and knowing Harry and knowing Jordan, they're the perfect partnership to steady the ship if anything seems to go wrong on an odd day.

“I think they're perfect to be around, and they'll do Thomas Tuchel’s job for him, and I think that's what Thomas has taken on board. He can't do it all on his own, him and his coaches can't do it all on their own, so I think having people like Harry and Jordan around the hotel, around meeting rooms, the games rooms etc, I think it just keeps everybody on an even keel, so it's hugely important to have those type of players around.”

It remains to be seen whether Tuchel, who has extended his contract with the Football Association through to 2028, will heed that advice or allow it to fall on deaf ears. He must submit a preliminary squad - which can include up to 55 players - by May 11. A final selection of 26 will then need to be settled upon before May 30.

England - who will be taking in pre-tournament friendlies against Costa Rica and New Zealand - are set to open their quest for World Cup glory against Croatia at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on June 17. They will also face Ghana and Panama in Group L.