Former England manager Sam Allardyce believes Harry Maguire should reject any potential World Cup selection after Thomas Tuchel’s “harsh” assessment of the Manchester United defender.
“Reject the Call-Up”: Sam Allardyce Tells Harry Maguire to Snub England World Cup Spot
Tuchel named the 33-year-old in his expanded 35-man squad for March friendlies against Uruguay and Japan.
However, the Germany coach later described Maguire as his fifth-choice centre-back option for this summer’s World Cup.
“I see Ezri Konsa ahead, I see Marc Guehi ahead,” Tuchel said after England’s draw with Uruguay.
“Trevoh Chalobah on the level of mobility was slightly ahead of him. Also John Stones.”
Allardyce feels Tuchel’s public remarks crossed a line.
“It’s a bit harsh,” Allardyce told Footy Accumulators.
“Harry endured such a difficult time at Manchester United when the club tried to belittle him.
He’s lost his captaincy, his place in the England squad, and has taken every criticism on the chin.”
The former Bolton and West Ham boss added:
“If I was in Harry’s position, I’d reconsider going with the camp at all.
Perhaps to his own detriment, Harry says Tuchel’s comments cause no problem. It makes you wonder whether he’s too nice!”
Tuchel admitted he brought Maguire to camp mainly to observe him personally.
“I needed to meet him in person to see how he acts within the group,” the England boss explained.
Despite praising Maguire’s aerial strength and composure on the ball, Tuchel made his pecking order clear.
When asked if Maguire would make a squad named immediately, he replied: “We have a lot of injuries, he could be in it. Who else would be there?”
Former Manchester United and England defender Rio Ferdinand also accused Tuchel of “insulting” Maguire with his comments during the international break.
Maguire himself has remained professional, insisting Tuchel’s words will not cause problems.
But Allardyce believes the veteran defender deserves more respect after fighting back from years of intense criticism.
