Carrick's Bold Call: Time for Harry Maguire to Gatecrash England's World Cup Party!

Picture this: Harry Maguire, the towering centre-back who's faced more memes than a viral cat video, hasn't pulled on an England shirt since September 2024. But hold onto your pints, because Manchester United's interim gaffer Michael Carrick is waving the flag for his return – and not just for a friendly, but ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Carrick reckons the 33-year-old has earned another crack at international glory.

From Injury Sidelines to United's Rock

Maguire's season hasn't been a bed of roses. A pesky thigh injury and other niggles kept him out for chunks of last autumn, leaving fans wondering if his Old Trafford days were numbered. Fast forward to January, and he's back in the starting XI like he's never been away.

Since 17 January, Man Utd have only tasted defeat once in eight league games. They're now perched in third in the Premier League, sniffing behind Arsenal and Man City. Maguire's been the steady hand in defence, bringing that veteran nous that's been missing.

Carrick couldn't hide his admiration. He pointed out how Maguire hit the ground running post-injury, with the team carefully managing his minutes to get him match-sharp. It's like watching a classic car roar back to life after a long MOT – reliable, powerful, and turning heads.

Carrick Lays It on Thick: 'He's Bang in the Frame'

The former United midfielder didn't mince words. "Harry's been playing well, it's obvious," he said, before diving into the details. That composure under pressure? The experience in big moments? Maguire's got it in spades, according to Carrick.

"He's shown what it takes," Carrick enthused, hinting that if Maguire was ever out of the England picture, those days are done. "He's definitely put himself back in the frame... hopefully he gets picked and goes to the World Cup." From someone who's been in the England setup himself, that's high praise indeed.

It's a timely nudge too. England's March squad drops next week for friendlies against Uruguay and Japan – the last games before Thomas Tuchel names his 26-man World Cup roster in May. Maguire's last 64th cap came in a Nations League clash at Wembley, but under Sir Gareth Southgate, he was a mainstay for those epic semi-final (2018) and quarter-final (2022) World Cup runs.

Why Maguire Deserves the Nod – And a Pint on Us

Let's not sugarcoat it: Maguire's had his critics. The howlers, the distribution woes, the viral clips that still do the rounds. But football's a game of form, not form-erly. Right now, he's bossing it at United, anchoring a defence that's kept them in the title race.

Tuchel's got options galore – John Stones, Harry Kane's mates from City, rising stars like Jarrad Branthwaite. But depth matters for a long tournament, and Maguire's battle-hardened presence could be gold dust. Imagine him barking orders, winning headers, and maybe even nicking a goal from a corner.

Carrick's plea feels like a mate leaning over the pub table: "Give the lad a go, he's earned it." With United flying and England plotting World Cup glory on home(ish) soil – well, North America – Maguire's resurgence couldn't be better timed. Will Tuchel listen? We'll know soon enough.

If he does get the call, raise a glass to Harry the Hero. From outcast to indispensable, it's the stuff of football fairy tales. Cheers to that.