Pranav Nair
Gareth Southgate gives a sobering update on Manchester United skipper Harry Maguire
According to the Daily Mail, England manager Gareth Southgate has failed to give a clear indication as to whether Manchester United skipper Harry Maguire will take part in the Euros.
The 28-year-old has not played a game since being taken off injured against Aston Villa on May 9. With the tournament just a week away, not only is he not fit but is also lacking in match fitness.
England kicks off their campaign against Croatia on June 13. As things stand, Maguire is facing a race against time to even be in contention for the fixture.
Maguire is yet to return to full training and Southgate acknowledges there is a chance that the centre-back may not be fit enough to play any part in the tournament this summer.
“With any injury, it’s impossible to predict 100 per cent.”
Such an outcome would be a dagger blow for the United ace who also missed out on the Europa League final. Speaking earlier this week, he admitted that he is looking forward to taking part in the competition.
A hopeful decision?
Southgate, however, also has some positive news. He admits that the England medical team is pleased with Maguire’s progress. While there are risks involved, they are keen to get the defender back into training as quickly as they can.
“If he’s able to be fit and available, then that’s a bonus for us.”
Maguire is England’s top defender and an automatic starter when fit. The very fact that Southgate took him along in the hopes of him getting fit is an indication of that.
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It is proving to be a frustrating end to the season for United’s English players. Jesse Lingard was left out of the final squad while Mason Greenwood withdrew due to underlying injuries.
Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford goes into the tournament knowing a surgery awaits him ahead of the 2021/22 campaign. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will hope that his players return to the club without any serious injuries to worry about.
