England loss to Japan shows Man United man Maguire is key to their 2026 World Cup chances
England loss to Japan shows Man United man Maguire is key to their 2026 World Cup chances Manchester United defender Harry Maguire started on the bench in England’s 1-0 friendly loss to Japan before coming on for the final 12 minutes. The Man United centre-back may have been on the bench, but this game reiterated his importance in Thomas Tuchel’s set-up. England looked poor in the opening stretch and conceded on 23 after Man Utd target Cole Palmer lost the ball, leading to a ruthless counterattack that Japan converted.
Japan repeatedly breached England’s incoherent defensive line, with Ezri Konsa and Marc Guehi struggling on the night. If Tuchel comes away with one thing after yesterday’s game, it is that former Man Utd captain Maguire must be a mainstay in his side at the 2026 World Cup. Maguire is still England’s best centre-half After struggling under former Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim, Maguire has enjoyed a resurgence with Michael Carrick at the helm.
He has featured in all of United’s games since the former midfielder took the reins at Old Trafford. Maguire’s assuredness and no-nonsense play at the back have spurred the revival. His performances have prompted Man Utd to hand him a one-year contract extension, despite the general expectation that he was to leave at the end of the season.
The 33-year-old has won 78% of his aerial and 60% of his ground duels in 18 Premier League appearances this term, helping to keep three clean sheets. His duelling numbers trump Konsa’s and Guehi’s. He is a defender at the top of his game.
Maguire has formed a steady partnership with Leny Yoro at the back. His passing is crucial to build-up play and one of the understated aspects of his game. His all-round game is the most complete of England’s options, and he should be England’s starting centre-half at the 2026 World Cup.