Gareth Southgate explains why he included Harry Maguire in England’s World Cup squad

Gareth Southgate included Manchester United skipper Harry Maguire in his World Cup squad because he believes he is one of the best centre-backs in the world.

Maguire has endured widespread criticism due to his lack of consistency and poor form, which has eventually seen him lose his starting role at Man United.

The England international last started a Premier League game for Manchester United in August during United’s 4-0 defeat to Brentford.

Maguire missed seven matches in the wake of a muscle injury he suffered whilst on international duty but since his return, he has two starts against West Ham United and Real Sociedad and was an unused substitute as United got humbled 3-1 at Aston Villa last weekend.

The wait is over.

It's the official #ThreeLions squad announcement for the @FIFAWorldCup! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 pic.twitter.com/XKJFbaDM0t

— England (@England) November 10, 2022

Many were anticipating that Southgate would drop the former Leicester City defender for either Aston Villa’s Tyrone Mings or Fikayo Tomori of AC Milan but the Three Lions’ coach has defended his decision.

Speaking after releasing his World Cup squad, Southgate said: “We don’t think the young ones [centre-backs] have done quite enough to push the older ones out — he [Harry Maguire] is one of our best centre backs.”

Harry Maguire is one of the three Manchester United stars that made the cut. The likes of Marcus Rashford and Luke Shaw were also included.

Jadon Sancho missed out after failing to impress Gareth Southgate while United’s goalkeeper Dean Henderson, who is currently on loan at Nottingham Forest, was snubbed as well.