Harry Maguire was awarded his first start of the season last night when England took on Ukraine in their Euro 2024 qualifier.
At club level, the defender’s first run-out came in Manchester United’s fourth Premier League game of the campaign against Arsenal last weekend, with Maguire being granted a 23-minute cameo to replace the then-injured Lisandro Martinez.
Given his significant lack of game time, eyebrows were raised when Gareth Southgate called him up for international duty earlier in September. At the time of selection, Maguire had not played one minute of football since pre-season, so you can understand fans’ concerns over his form.
However, being one of Southgate’s most trusted lieutenants, the 30-year-old departed for England duty and was named in the starting 11 for last night’s tie, which ended all square at 1-1.
Southgate predicts increased game time for Maguire
Post-match, the Three Lions boss suggested that Maguire’s minutes are set to increase due to United’s current injury woes; Raphael Varane is sidelined, while both Martinez and Victor Lindelof were withdrawn against Arsenal with fitness concerns.
Southgate said, as quoted by 90min: “He’s [Maguire] a very experienced player and he’s looked very good in training. Harry knows where our support is.
“He knows he has to keep playing well for us,” the manager continued. “And I think over the next few weeks, given what’s happening with their squad with injuries, he may well have a lot more minutes for United as well.”
