On 16/6, The Football Association (FA) confirmed Tino Livramento withdrew from the 2026 World Cup due to a calf injury sustained during training. Coach Thomas Tuchel then called up center-back Trevor Chalobah as a replacement, despite the Chelsea player not being a right-back like Livramento. This personnel change sparked debate about Harry Maguire, who, like Chalobah, plays center-back and whom Tuchel overlooked in the initial squad selection.

Harry Maguire reacts after England's friendly loss to Japan at Wembley Stadium, London, England on 31/3/2026. *Photo: Reuters*

Earlier in the week, on "The Rest is Football" podcast, Maguire expressed frustration about not being in the initial 26-man England squad for the 2026 World Cup. "I think I did enough to be in the squad. I believe I can still contribute to the team both on and off the pitch," the Manchester United center-back said. Maguire revealed that Tuchel had called him via FaceTime to deliver the news, but information about his potential exclusion had already surfaced in the media approximately 30 minutes prior. "That was the most disappointing thing for me. I was very surprised and disappointed. We had a frank discussion. I am a strong personality with a lot of experience, so it was an open conversation," he added.

Carragher suggested Maguire's comments might have affected Tuchel when considering a replacement for Livramento. "Perhaps it would have been better if Maguire had kept those thoughts to himself. Then, the door to the national team, if a replacement was needed, might not have been closed," the 48-year-old former player remarked. Carragher also believed that, from a professional standpoint, Maguire was not a suitable replacement for Livramento. "A right-back withdrew, so I don't think Tuchel would call up a pure center-back like Maguire," the former Liverpool defender explained. "Chalobah isn't a right-back, but in an emergency, he could perform better in that position."

Trent Alexander-Arnold (right) and Cole Palmer during an England training session at St George's Park training center in Burton upon Trent on 16/11/2023. Both were not called up for the 2026 World Cup. *Photo: Reuters*

Trent Alexander-Arnold, primarily a right-back like Livramento, was also overlooked by Tuchel. Carragher attributed this to Alexander-Arnold's defensive limitations. "We all know Tuchel's view on Trent. Looking at the current squad, it feels like he prefers using center-backs who can play right-back rather than pure right-backs," he observed. "Trent's special qualities are undeniable. That's why Real Madrid wants him, and Liverpool fans regret losing such a player. However, perhaps Trent's weaknesses are what Tuchel focuses on more. He looks at the limitations rather than the positive attributes." Carragher added that Tuchel's tactical system might not maximize Alexander-Arnold's abilities as Jurgen Klopp did at Liverpool. "Perhaps in Tuchel's system, Trent's strengths aren't exploited as much as they were at Liverpool. So, I'm not overly surprised he didn't call him up," the former England international stated.

Carragher also suggested Tuchel prioritizes team cohesion over individual talent. "I said a few weeks ago that he chooses unity and team spirit over mere quality and talent. This decision proves that again."

England players sign autographs for fans after a training session in Florida on 3/6. *Video: X/England*

Beyond squad selection, Carragher also proposed his ideal starting lineup for England's opening match against Croatia on 17/6. For the attacking midfield role, he selected Jude Bellingham over Morgan Rogers. Carragher initially thought Rogers might start, given Tuchel's penchant for bold decisions. However, with Bellingham fully fit, he remains the top choice behind Harry Kane. On the left flank, Carragher favored Anthony Gordon, Barcelona's 93 million USD new signing, over Marcus Rashford. Meanwhile, Ezri Konsa and Marc Guehi were chosen at the center of defense, with John Stones on the bench. According to Carragher, Konsa and Guehi were two of the most consistent center-backs in the Premier League last season. He believed that if Stones had played 15-20 more games in the 2025-2026 season, the Manchester City center-back would be the first choice in England's defense.