Manchester United captain Harry Maguire named in England squad

Harry Maguire is the only Manchester United player in the England squad for June’s international fixtures.

Gareth Southgate has named Maguire in his squad despite a poor season for the centre-back. United recorded their lowest ever Premier League points total this season, but Southgate has given Maguire his unwavering support with today’s squad announcement.

Maguire has been a key part of Southgate’s England plans during the Three Lions boss’ six-year tenure. Southgate gave Maguire his England debut and the United captain started in every game but one at the 2018 World Cup in Russia as England reached the semi-finals of that competition. Maguire also started five games at Euro 2020 after recovering from an ankle injury.

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Maguire is United’s only representative in the England squad. Luke Shaw, Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Dean Henderson have all been left out of the squad. United finished sixth this season and the club’s players have grossly underachieved.

Shaw was absent as United lost to Crystal Palace at the weekend after the birth of his second child. Shaw has recovered from an injury, which forced him to be sidelined for a month, and his omission from the squad has been decided by his form.

Although Rashford and Sancho both played for England at Euro 2020 in the summer, both players were left out of the England squad for the international friendlies this March and have been left out of Southgate’s side again for June.

Ralf Rangnick confirmed Rashford was injured ahead of Sunday’s match. The player travelled to Selhurst Park but wasn’t named on the bench. Although Sancho has recovered from tonsillitis, he withdrew from United’s training session on Friday with a knock.

Rashford has lost his starting place at United while Sancho has contributed just five goals and three assists across all competitions this season. Dean Henderson made just three starts this term and the goalkeeper wants to leave the club.

England will begin their new Nations League campaign against Hungary on Saturday, 4 June.

England squad: Pickford, Pope, Ramsdale, Alexander-Arnold, Coady, Guehi, James, Justin, Maguire, Stones, Tomori, Trippier, Walker, White, Bellingham, Gallagher, Mount, Phillips, Rice, Ward-Prowse, Abraham, Bowen, Foden, Grealish, Kane, Saka, Sterling.

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