Gareth Southgate was unable to give assurances over Harry Maguire playing for England in the group stage at Euro 2020 after including the defender in a squad featuring Trent Alexander-Arnold as one of four right-backs. England’s manager, who could also be without Jordan Henderson for the opening group game against Croatia at Wembley on June 13th, is considering reverting to a back three because of his concerns over Maguire. The uncertainty has forced Southgate, who saw United’s Mason Greenwood withdraw with an unspecified injury, to gamble on two of his most important players. Maguire is yet to join the squad and Southgate, who would normally start him alongside John Stones in a back four, could not put a timeframe on his return. Southgate, who will start Lingard against Austria because Jadon Sancho is unwell, was unsure about playing Alexander-Arnold in midfield.

Source: The Irish Times June 02, 2021 06:21 UTC