Manchester United's Harry Maguire claims 2026 World Cup will be his last

On Tuesday, Maguire signed a one-year contract extension to his contract at United, continuing what has been a good couple of months for the 33-year-old. 

Since Michael Carrick took interim charge at the start of the year, Maguire has become a stalwart in defence and was rewarded with an England recall for the recent March internationals. 

Maguire 'desperate' for England World Cup spot 

Maguire's two appearances for England against Uruguay and Japan were his first for nearly two years, and it's clear Thomas Tuchel sees something in him. 

However, with Marc Guehi and Ezri Konsa the German's preferred centre back pairing, Maguire has a fight on his hands to force his way back in. 

This is a challenge which he is ready to embrace with Maguire telling reporters he is "desperate" to be on the plane to this year's World Cup, which could also be his last. 

"I think it would be my last World Cup," Maguire said.

"I've been to two but I missed out on the Euros two years ago through injury, which hurt a lot.

"So, I'm desperate to go, in whatever role the manager would want me for; whether that's starting or deciding games late on.

"I still think there's an important part I can play; that I can help.

"If the manager believes the same, I'm sure he will pick me."

Why Maguire could be vital for England's World Cup

Amongst England fans, Maguire is a favourite. 

He has been an integral part of the upturn in the Three Lions' fortunes, starting with the 2018 World Cup, which saw the travelling fans create a chant which is still being sung on the terraces today. 

Up until the March internationals, Maguire has been in the international wilderness, but this has mostly been caused by the chaos at United, who have been in turmoil these past few years. 

With John Stones' fitness a serious issue, Maguire could either start for England, or be third choice at centre back, providing assurance and the necessary depth needed in a tournament where the immense heat will bring squad rotation into play. 

It's not just defensively where Maguire benefits England, he can also be a danger at set pieces, a sentiment which he echoed to BBC Sport. 

"I still believe, even at my age, I'm arguably one of the best defenders in the world in both boxes.

"I don't think that's in question really; that I can be really effective later on in games, whether you're holding on to a lead or trying to chase a game."

Tuchel has said in the build-up that he wants his England team to play an intense, Premier League style of football, but in the climate at which the tournament will be played, set pieces will be vital. 

Maguire more often than not thrives in an England shirt, and with him feeling that this summer's World Cup will be his last, Tuchel will be foolish not to give one of England's stalwarts one more crack at ending what feels like endless years of hurt.

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