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Harry Maguire Returns to England Squad for Pre-World Cup Friendlies

England head coach Thomas Tuchel has announced a 35-man squad for upcoming friendlies against Uruguay and Japan, marking the return of defender Harry Maguire. The Manchester United player returns after being overlooked since Tuchel's appointment in January 2025. The squad also integrates young talent like Kobbie Mainoo while omitting Trent Alexander-Arnold. England will use these matches to prepare for their 2026 World Cup campaign, which begins against Croatia in Dallas.

Key Points: England Squad: Maguire Returns for Uruguay, Japan Friendlies

  • Harry Maguire returns after missing selections under Tuchel
  • Squad includes rising talent Kobbie Mainoo
  • Jude Bellingham included despite injury
  • Trent Alexander-Arnold misses out on selection
2 min read

Harry Maguire returns as England announce 35-man squad for pre-World Cup friendlies

England coach Thomas Tuchel names 35-man squad with Harry Maguire back. Jude Bellingham included, Trent Alexander-Arnold misses out. Full squad details.

"We decided to divide it into basically two camps almost... to open up the picture, and the competition for plane tickets to the US. - Thomas Tuchel"

London, March 20

England head coach Thomas Tuchel has named a 35-man squad for the upcoming international friendlies against Uruguay and Japan on Friday, with experienced defender Harry Maguire making a notable return to the national setup.

Maguire, who has earned 64 caps for England, returns to the squad after missing out on selections since Tuchel took charge on January 1, 2025. The Manchester United centre-back has impressed at club level this season, playing a key role in his side's improved domestic form and push for qualification in the UEFA Champions League.

The squad also includes rising talent Kobbie Mainoo, as England build towards the upcoming World Cup. Midfield star Jude Bellingham has also been included despite a recent injury layoff, while Trent Alexander-Arnold misses out.

Explaining his decision to name a larger squad, Tuchel said, "We decided to divide it into basically two camps almost, so we bring players in that we haven't seen who haven't played so much to open up the picture, and the competition for plane tickets to the US.

"Then from Friday and Saturday, a group of players will come into camp - ten or eleven players who get a rest before and we will then go with a new group and mix of players into the match against Japan," The head coach added.

England will host both matches at Wembley Stadium later this month, before facing New Zealand and Costa Rica in June friendlies. The team is scheduled to open its FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign against Croatia on June 17 in Dallas.

England last lifted the World Cup trophy on home soil back in 1966 by defeating West Germany 4-2 at Wembley. They have since reached the semi-finals twice in 1990 and 2018, while also playing five quarter-finals. England would look to end the 60 year drought in the upcoming tournament hosted by USA and Mexico.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Henderson, Pickford, Ramsdale, Steele, Trafford.

Defenders: Burn, Guehi, Hall, Konsa, Livramento, Maguire, O'Reilly, Quansah, Spence, Stones, Tomori.

Midfielders: Anderson, Bellingham, Garner, Henderson, Mainoo, Palmer, Rice, Rogers, Wharton.

Forwards: Bowen, Calvert-Lewin, Eze, Foden, Gordon, Kane, Madueke, Rashford, Saka, Solanke.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Sarah B
Interesting strategy by Tuchel with the split camps. Gives a chance to evaluate more players. Kobbie Mainoo's inclusion is exciting – he's a future star. England's preparation looks thorough. Hope they can finally bring it home after so long!
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Vikram M
Maguire's return is the right call. Form is temporary, class is permanent. But I'm more interested in seeing how Mainoo and the other youngsters perform. England always has great players but often falters in big tournaments. Let's see if Tuchel can change that.
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Priya S
As a casual follower, I find the squad size of 35 a bit confusing. Will all these players get a fair chance? Seems like a lot of management. Also, no Trent Alexander-Arnold is surprising! Wishing the team all the best for the friendlies and the World Cup. 🤞
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Rohit P
Solid squad. The forward line is absolutely stacked – Kane, Foden, Saka, Rashford! The pressure is always immense on England. Hope they handle it better this time. From an Indian perspective, watching such high-level preparation is a learning experience for our football ecosystem.
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Michael C
Respectfully, I have to question Maguire's inclusion. Yes, he's experienced, but are we sure he's the best option moving forward? The pace of the modern game... I hope this doesn't become a sentimental pick. The rest of the selections look promising, especially the midfield.

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