Harry Maguire Reflects on Awkward FaceTime Call from Thomas Tuchel

Harry Maguire has lifted the lid on the moment Thomas Tuchel told him he would not be going to the Euros – a FaceTime call that the defender describes as “quite awkward” and brutally deflating.

The Manchester United centre-back, speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, revealed that the Germany manager chose to deliver the bad news one by one, via video.

“He FaceTimed everyone. It was quite an awkward call,” Maguire said. “I received a text saying can I speak to you about 4pm. It is quite a unique way of doing it and it must be quite hard because he can see everyone's reactions.”

The call brought an abrupt halt to what Maguire believed was a strong late charge for a place. Recalled by Tuchel for the March camp and encouraged by his performances, he felt he had played himself into the tournament picture.

“I said straightaway I was really disappointed,” he admitted. “I thought I did enough to be in the squad and thought I could have helped and had a part to play on and off the pitch.

“He said he can't give me an excuse but he had gone with the four lads who got him through the autumn.”

That line cut deep. Maguire had sensed momentum after solid displays for his country in the spring and a resurgent finish to the season at Old Trafford.

“It was tough to take,” he said. “I did think I would be in the squad after being selected for the March camp under him for the first time. I did really well in both games and then went back to Manchester United and finished the season really strongly.”

Dropped, but not distant. The 66-cap defender has stayed close to the core of the dressing room, keeping in regular contact with senior figures such as Harry Kane, Declan Rice and Jordan Pickford, offering support from the outside as the squad moves on without him.

There is frustration, but no bitterness. No talk of walking away.

“I don't think I would retire from England. I still feel I have something to offer,” Maguire said. “There will be a time and a place where I don't deserve to get picked but I probably still wouldn't come out and retire. If I got one more cap it would be worth it.”

Tuchel is under contract through to Euro 2028, and the message is clear: Maguire is prepared to wait, to fight, and to answer the call again – even if it comes via another awkward FaceTime.