June 16th 2024.
Unfortunately for England fans, it seems that Harry Maguire will not be taking part in the team's Euro 2024 campaign this summer. The Manchester United star was not included in Gareth Southgate's final 26-man squad, a decision that has come as a shock to many given his crucial role in the team's previous major competitions.
With Maguire out of the picture, England will have to rely on other options in their defence. John Stones, who has recently recovered from a minor injury, is expected to start tonight's game against Serbia, with Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi likely to join him in the back line. There is also the possibility of Lewis Dunk stepping in, and Luke Shaw could be a potential option once he is fully fit. Despite his usual position as a left-back, Shaw has shown his versatility by playing at centre-half for his club in recent seasons.
But why isn't Maguire able to play for England this summer? His last appearance for United was in a 1-1 draw against Burnley at the end of April. A calf injury kept him out of the team's final five games of the season, including their FA Cup final victory over Manchester City. It was hoped that the 31-year-old would recover in time for the Euros, but unfortunately, he was not deemed fit enough to make the journey.
Southgate has explained that Maguire's absence is due to his physical condition and recovery from the injury. The team simply cannot risk taking him if he is not at his best, especially with other potential injuries in the back line. The manager also mentioned that having nine defenders in the previous tournaments had been a challenge, and adding Maguire as a tenth would have unbalanced the team.
It's a tough situation for Southgate, who has a lot of respect for Maguire and his contributions to the team. But ultimately, the decision had to be made in the best interest of the team's success in the Euros. Maguire himself has expressed his disappointment in not being able to represent his country, but he will continue to support them as a fan and focus on his recovery for the upcoming season with Manchester United.
As for England, they will have to make do without their reliable centre-back, but they still have a strong squad and will be aiming for success in the tournament. Fans can continue to follow all the latest news, exclusives, and analysis of the team through various sources, and can also sign up for updates through the privacy policy. Let's hope for a successful campaign for England and all the teams involved in Euro 2024.
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