Harry Maguire could miss England’s Euro 2024 group opener against Serbia in Gelsenkirchen.
His absence would increase the defensive crisis threatening to undermine Gareth Southgate chances of conquering Europe. Maguire has been one of England’s most consistent defenders in recent years – and first choice centre back for Southgate.
Maguire suffered a calf problem a month ago that forced him to miss the end of the domestic season. The Manchester United star was hoping to be fit again for the FA Cup final, but suffered a setback and has broken down again.
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Maguire is now touch and go to be fit for the Serbia clash on June 16. Southgate is already sweating on the fitness of fellow defenders Luke Shaw and John Stones.
When asked if Maguire would be available, Southgate said: “We don’t know that at the moment.” Southgate admits he would never trust his players to be honest about themselves when it comes to assessing how fit they are.
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He said: “They’re lying buggers, really! If you’re in a relegation battle, the treatment room is absolutely full. If you’re in a Cup final it’s empty.
“They have great intentions and are super positive. But equally they want to be on the plane, so we have got to have a more in depth view than theirs.”
Southgate will name his final squad of 26 on Saturday and has some big calls to make. And perhaps the biggest will centre around Jack Grealish, who has been out of form and could now miss the final cut.
Southgate refused to confirm if Grealish will be going to the tournament – but admitted it was a big week for the Manchester City winger. He added: “A lot of good players are in that area of the pitch, and they are all competing.
“We think we know who the best have been across the season. What we don’t totally know is how many we need to take, or how many we can allow ourselves to take, because of the cover we might need in other positions as well.”