Former England captain John Terry has torn into Thomas Tuchel’s squad selection for the World Cup after the Three Lions boss opted to leave a number of big names at home.
England have been in the States for over a week now, training ahead of their first match of the tournament on June 17 against Croatia.
The whole group is now together after the four Arsenal players – Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke – were afforded extra time off after the Champions League final, with the 26-man squad locked in and ready to go.
There was debate when Tuchel named his squad around the likes of Phil Foden and Cole Palmer being left out, and Terry has now chimed in too. And, speaking on Sports Uncensored, he suggested at least 11 of the 26-man squad should not be featuring if England want to be successful this summer.
‘I just think you need to have your best players there,’ Terry said. ‘There’s only 13, 14 or 15 players that can play if we’re going to win this World Cup.
‘When I look at the rest of the squad I’m not sure they’re going to push the players who are going to be playing.’
Former England captain John Terry (pictured) has suggested 11 of England’s World Cup squad should not feature in the tournament
Thomas Tuchel picked a controversial 26-man squad with some big names left at home
He questioned some of the more debatable names in the camp, with the likes of Dan Burn and Nico O’Reilly playing in their first international tournaments.
The Chelsea legend pointed to the potential lack of experience in the squad – and questioned whether it could cost the side.
‘First of all, I really like him (Tuchel),’ Terry said. ‘Obviously, seeing his work around Chelsea, when he was there… he brought success for us in the Champions League as well. And what I like about him, he’s not afraid to make these big decisions, and I think we’ve seen that in his squad.
‘Now, that’s something I disagree with actually, in terms of the players that he’s not picked for this World Cup. Harry Maguire being one, the first one. Luke Shaw at left back. We’re looking at O’Reilly coming at left back. I think someone like him needs someone like Luke Shaw around the place to help him, settle him, give him a little bit of advice because he is the future of us in our next World Cups coming up. Cole Palmer is the next big decision as well.
‘So I think he’s got it wrong in three or four big decisions on the pitch, actually. I think you need your best players, the further you get in these World Cups.’
On Maguire, he continued: ‘For me, he’s a better player than Dan Burn and now if the other two get injured, whether that’s John Stones coming in, I’d much rather Harry Maguire there and be the one coming in.
‘I think he always poses a big threat from set plays as well late on, and I know Dan Burn poses that threat as well, when he can play at left back being a left sider. But I would have Harry Maguire there every day of the week.’
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