Wayne Rooney has waded into the growing debate surrounding Harry Maguire's exclusion from Thomas Tuchel's World Cup plans, branding the Manchester Uni...
Wayne Rooney has waded into the growing debate surrounding Harry Maguire's exclusion from Thomas Tuchel's World Cup plans, branding the Manchester United defender "very unlucky" to be left out of the summer tournament.Speaking exclusively to GoalZaza, the former England captain made it clear that he feels the central defender has been harshly treated. Maguire, once a mainstay of the Three Lions backline under Gareth Southgate, has watched his stock plummet in recent months. But Rooney is having none of the easy narratives."You look at what he did for England in the last two tournaments. He was colossal. He read the game superbly, he was aggressive in duels, and he gave the team a real presence from set pieces. To go from that to not even being in the squad feels harsh," Rooney said. He questioned whether Tuchel's tactical demands for a high defensive line and rapid transitional play have unfairly counted against a player whose game is built on physicality and reading danger.Let's be honest. Maguire has endured a torrid time at club level, no question. There have been errors, moments of uncertainty, and the sort of scrutiny that would crush lesser men. But at his best, when protected by a low block and given clear instructions, he remains one of the most imposing aerially dominant defenders in the Premier League. The question Tuchel had to answer is simple: does that skill set still fit a side looking to control possession and compress the pitchRooney's argument carries weight because he understands the psychology of tournament football. At a World Cup, you need battle hardened characters who have been in the mixer. Maguire has that experience. He knows what it feels like to walk out for a semi final. That is not something you can just manufacture in a few friendlies.Whether Tuchel will reconsider remains to be seen. The squad announcement is final, but football has a funny way of throwing up late injuries and dramatic call ups. If a centre back goes down in the warm up matches, do not be surprised if Maguire's phone rings. For now, though, Rooney has done what he does best. He has spoken the uncomfortable truth that many fans are thinking. Maguire is very unlucky indeed.
