One mother’s disappointment is another’s joy. Whilst Jordan Henderson and Harry Maguire were not competing for the same space, the widespread incredulity at Thomas Tuchel’s decision to include one and not the other is a shared feature, and it serves to highlight a process that resulted in some wild decisions.
No Cole Palmer, no Morgan Gibbs-White, no Phil Foden, no Adam Wharton, no Trent Alexander-Arnold, no chance? We’ll see soon enough.
Zoe Maguire was “disgusted” at her son’s exclusion, describing it as “disgraceful”. Maguire has been a central figure in the stabilising of Manchester United under Michael Carrick, a pattern recognised by Tuchel with his inclusion in the 55-man pre-squad shortlist.
However, the trail ran cold during the whittling process. No such anxiety in the Henderson clan. We can only assume the delight of Liz, an ardent supporter of her son’s career, who – like the majority – must have assumed his days among England’s elite were over when he parked Liverpool for Saudi Arabia.
Tuchel will be hailed as a genius if he pulls it off (Photo: AP)
