Southgate ‘likely’ to name Man Utd outcast in latest England squad as injury dilemma becomes clear
Harry Maguire is likely to be called up to the next England squad according to reports as Gareth Southgate faces a selection headache.
The first international break of the season is now right around the corner and Southgate is set to name his latest squad on Thursday.
The England boss has plenty of conundrums to consider, particularly in defence as plenty of players are facing a spell on the sidelines.
With a number of defenders currently being unavailable, Maguire looks set to be called up according to Rob Dorsett.
“Harry Maguire likely to be included in tomorrow’s England squad for internationals against Ukraine and Scotland – despite not kicking a ball yet for Man Utd this season,” Dorsett explained.
“Injuries to Stones and Mings, and with Dier not even on the bench for Tottenham, Southgate wants some CB experience.”
This will be a bold call by the England boss as Maguire isn’t likely to be up to match speed at this point. After his move to West Ham fell through he now looks set to stay at Old Trafford.
The 30-year-old only started in eight Premier League matches last season and it doesn’t seem as if he will get much more game time this season.
Southgate has come under fire at times for his continued trust in Maguire and this could be his bravest call yet.
Earlier in the year even Southgate admitted that Maguire would need to be playing regular football at club level to justify his spot in the England team.
“Inevitably it’s not a situation that can continue forever,” Southgate told reporters when quizzed about Maguire’s lack of football.
“It’s like Kalvin Phillips, they are important players for us and with Kalvin we haven’t got many players who can play as that single pivot.
“Of course the longer that situation goes on the more concerning it is and we’ve got in Marc Guehi, Lewis Dunk, Tyrone Mings, players who are playing well without the same experiences of club European football or international football. But we’ve got to keep searching for competition in that area of the pitch.”
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