Harry Maguire left in no doubt over England role after more Southgate talks

Gareth Southgate will offer his full support to Harry Maguire ahead of the World Cup.

Southgate has already insisted publicly how important he sees the Manchester United defender for Qatar. And Maguire has been left in no doubt by Southgate about how strong his backing remains which virtually guarantees that he will be picked for the tournament despite his troubles at club level.

United captain Maguire has lost his place at Old Trafford under new boss Erik ten Hag and is currently also recovering from injury after last month’s international duty. But while Southgate cannot give any guarantees beyond the World Cup, the England boss has been in regular contact with key players and Maguire knows he has the full support of his international manager.

It will be welcome support at a difficult time for Maguire but should also help his confidence as he looks to return to fitness and regain his form.

Southgate has been clear that players need to be playing regularly for their clubs to be picked for England but sees Maguire as a special case because of his importance to the team.

Southgate said publicly last month: “Why do we pick him? Because he’s one of the players who gives us the best chance of winning.”

Central defence is a key area for Southgate with Maguire not playing and John Stones also recovering from a hamstring issue.

But Southgate regards Maguire as a leader and, having been such a key player in the 2018 World Cup and last year’s Euros, he is firmly behind the centre half as he prepares to pick his squad on November 10.