England manager Gareth Southgate is expected to leave Manchester United captain Harry Maguire out of his starting lineup for the Three Lions’ Group game against Scotland on Friday.
England’s second group game will see them host fierce rivals Scotland at Wembley Stadium in a game that is a more or less must-win for both sides.
Victory would send England through to the competition’s knockout rounds and anything better than a loss would gift Scotland real hope of achieving the same.
In what is a hugely exciting match, one player who will be desperate to feature is Red Devils’ skipper Maguire.
Having been sidelined since the beginning of May after suffering ligament damage during a league match against Aston Villa, Maguire has now missed a total of eight games, for both club and country, including his country’s Euros opener against Croatia last weekend.
However, good news could be on the horizon after it appears the Englishman is finally back to full fitness and available.
Thursday’s TELEGRAPH Sport: “Maguire: I’m ready to face Scotland” #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/wyvWqwx7sR
— Allie Hodgkins-Brown (@AllieHBNews) June 16, 2021
When asked by reporters if he could start against Scotland on Friday, Maguire said: “I’m available to the manager for selection. Like I said, I’ve trained a few times [this week.]
“Obviously, it’s a big game. I’ve done a few sessions now and feel like my fitness is there so I’m available.”
However, despite Maguire’s positive update, the Telegraph claim Southgate is likely to name the same back four who started against Croatia – Kyle Walker, John Stones, Tyrone Mings and Kieran Trippier.
England and Scotland is scheduled to kick off at 8pm (UK time) on Friday.
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