Gary Lineker lifts lid on Harry Maguires special request for new World Cup position

Manchester United defender Harry Maguire may not have made it into Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, but he will be involved in the tournament in a different capacity. The 33 year old enjoyed a resurgent second half of the campaign with the Red Devils, igniting hopes of a possible third involvement in the mega event. However, the England manager sprung a surprise by ignoring Maguire and selecting Dan Burn, Djed Spence, and Jarell Quansah instead. The decision prompted a fierce response from the United man on social media, although Tuchel has since addressed those comments. Harry Maguire Stats: 2025/26 Season CompetitionAppearancesStartsGoalsAssistsYellow CardsRed CardsMinutes Played Premier League231912311,655′ EFL Cup111—90′ FA Cup10–1-11′ Total252022411,756′ Source: Transfermarkt. Maguire, however, was rewarded for his performances by the Red Devils, who handed him a one-year extension in April. A recent report relayed by The Peoples Person states that the veteran defender will feature in former England striker Gary Lineker’s ‘The Rest is Football’ show during this summer’s World Cup. Lineker has now provided a fascinating insight into Maguire’s new off-the-pitch gig. Maguire reached show agreement during United struggles Speaking to talkSPORT, Lineker revealed that Maguire had agreed to the job a long time ago, when he was struggling with United and not in the running for a place in the England squad. He said: “Funnily enough, we spoke to Harry quite some time ago when he was not playing at all.” “He was really out of the picture completely. And it was funny at the time, because we did the [podcast] deal with him months and months ago, when he was going through that sticky spell at United.” The former England striker went on to add that Maguire wanted a clause included in the contract which would allow him to leave if he was selected to represent England at the World Cup. He continued: “And he did ask for a clause: ‘Should I make the England squad…’” “I thought to myself: ‘You really don’t need that clause. If you’re picked, you’re going to be fine with it. Don’t worry about it.’” Maguire unlucky to miss out on England berth Lineker went on to argue that Maguire was unlucky to miss out on a place in Thomas Tuchel’s squad. He said: “I think he’s been really unlucky, actually, not to make the squad. I’m actually genuinely disappointed for him, given his experience as well. He’s never let England down.” “I thought Dan Burn was probably fortunate to get the nod ahead of him. But it’s one man’s decision – Thomas Tuchel has done it and we’ve asked for someone to make big calls.” “We all have our differences of opinion on England squads and lineups, but it won’t stop us from giving our own. There are a few that I wouldn’t have done, but again, it’s his choice and ultimately he’ll be judged by what happens on the field.” Maguire helped England reach the semi-final of the 2018 FIFA World Cup and also played a starring role in the team’s run to the Euro 2020 finals, which they lost to Italy. Final Thoughts Maguire’s experience and leadership qualities will be invaluable to United next season, especially with Casemiro set to leave this summer. The Red Devils are already eyeing the Brazilian’s replacement, but it will be up to stars like Maguire and Bruno Fernandes to ensure the dressing room stays motivated. Featured image by Molly Darlington/Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Deepungsu Pandit Deepungsu has been a Manchester United fan since 2000. In his playing days, he was an attacking midfielder with a proclivity for the back heel. Right now, however, he prefers to operate as a regista. Deepungsu has been writing about the Red Devils, Football, and other things since 2009. He has worked for over seven years with Sportskeeda, writing football reviews, opinions and news articles. Deepungsu also maintains a blog, The Thinking Me, where he writes about life and things that interest him. His favourite Manchester United player is Paul Scholes.