Harry Maguire and Kobbie Mainoo have both earned call-ups to the England national football team squad under new head coach Thomas Tuchel, who has openly backed the duo’s recent performances and importance at club level.
Speaking about his selections, Tuchel made it clear that Maguire’s resurgence played a decisive role in his inclusion. The defender, who has faced criticism in recent seasons, has rediscovered consistency and leadership at Manchester United.
Tuchel highlighted that since the arrival of Michael Carrick in a coaching capacity, Maguire has delivered “very, very good performances,” proving his reliability at the back. The German tactician emphasized that such form cannot be overlooked when building a competitive international squad.
Meanwhile, young midfielder Kobbie Mainoo’s rapid rise has also caught Tuchel’s attention. The 18-year-old has been one of the standout performers for Manchester United this season, impressing with his composure, technical ability, and maturity beyond his years.
Tuchel revealed that he has been “hearing a lot of good things” about Mainoo not just from within the Football Association setup, but also from players who have seen him up close. Those reports, combined with his own observations, convinced the manager that Mainoo is ready for the international stage.