Wayne Rooney (41) publicly expressed regret over Harry Maguire (33, Man United) being left off the final World Cup roster. While respecting Thomas Tuchel's choice, he said, "He was really unlucky."
The British broadcaster BBC reported on the 23rd (Korea time) that "Wayne Rooney said he was shocked by Harry Maguire's omission from England's World Cup squad."
Rooney shared his thoughts on the final England squad on his podcast. He singled out Maguire's exclusion as the most surprising choice.
He said, "My biggest shock was Maguire. Judging by recent form alone, I think Harry Maguire was really unlucky to be left out."
He added, "Perhaps Tuchel thought it would be disrespectful to bring Maguire and then not play him. I don't know the exact internal situation, but there must have been discussions."
He also analyzed that the biggest competition in the team's defensive lineup was between Maguire and Dan Burn.
Rooney said, "In the end Tuchel chose Dan Burn over Maguire. There are decisions I personally don't agree with, but judging by what he's shown so far, I trust Tuchel."
Maguire is a veteran who has earned 66 caps for England. He played a key defensive role when England reached the semifinals at the 2018 Russia World Cup and the quarterfinals at the 2022 Qatar World Cup.
He missed Euro 2024 due to injury but returned to the national team during the March international window, increasing his chances of making the North and Central America World Cup squad. However, he was not included in the final roster.
Rooney gave a positive assessment of Tuchel's choices regarding the attacking midfielder competition.
He said, "Choosing Morgan Rogers and Jude Bellingham is an understandable decision," adding, "I think there are reasons they were prioritized over Phil Foden, Cole Palmer and Morgan Gibbs-White."
But he noted that how Bellingham is used will be a major challenge Tuchel must handle going forward.
Rooney said, "If Rogers starts ahead of Bellingham, there will be a huge reaction," adding, "Tuchel will be aware of that. He will have to deal with reactions not only from the media but also from Bellingham himself and his family."
He continued, "Bellingham may be a slightly different style from the system Tuchel wants to create. But players of that type are essential in the World Cup. He produces decisive moments at important times. He has already proven that sufficiently."
He expressed satisfaction with the selection of Ivan Toney. Rooney said, "A player who scores goals is always valuable," and added, "Playing in the Saudi league is not a problem. No one says about Cristiano Ronaldo, 'Why pick him because he plays in Saudi?'"
He added, "Above all, it's good that there are three strikers. Rather than inserting another playmaker when you're behind, it's much more important to put in a player who can sniff out goals."
Toney also served as Harry Kane's backup at Euro 2024. England used Toney when making attacking changes late in matches.
Rooney argued that the World Cup environment must also be taken into account.
He said, "Kane is England's all-time leading scorer. He scores wherever he plays," but added, "However, the North and Central America World Cup environment is different. Considering heat, humidity and high-altitude conditions, you must keep Kane as fresh as possible."
He added, "Toney is no longer just a pure goalscorer. His ability to hold the ball has also improved a lot," adding, "In that environment, it's really important that forwards don't lose the ball easily when they receive it."
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