Harry Maguire’s recent form could put the Manchester United defender in contention for a place in Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad.
After being heavily linked with the Manchester United job in the summer, months before Erik ten Hag’s dismissal, Thomas Tuchel became England manager on an 18-month contract.
The German coach became the third non-British permanent manager of the men’s team after Sven-Goran Eriksson and Fabio Capello.
England appointing a new manager means that several United first-team members will need to try work their way into his plans if they intend to represent the national team.
United fans watched players like Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho lose their place in England’s setup. Mason Mount is another player Gareth Southgate removed from his setup and it doesn’t help that he is rarely fit to play for the Reds.
Harry Maguire deserves England recall
United have more players in contention for a call up to Tuchel’s first England squad.
Kobbie Mainoo and Luke Shaw will miss out due to injury, while Harry Maguire will be hoping for a call from the new manager after missing the last five internationals.
Maguire was left out of Southgate’s squad for Euro 2024 due to doubts over an injury.
However, Maguire has enjoyed a resurgence under Ruben Amorim, and appears to enjoy playing in his back-three system.
Amorim sent a message to Tuchel in Friday’s press conference by stressing Maguire ‘deserves it’ when asked about the England squad being named next week.
“I would be really happy for Harry. I think he deserves it,” Amorim told reporters.
“He is a great guy. I think he needs to still improve, because when you are a player you can improve every time. But I think his performances at the moment are quite good.
“You feel that he is more of a leader now that can help a national team. So I hope he is in the national team in the next games.”
Maguire’s professionalism and leadership would be a bonus to any idea as Amorim’s points out.
Tuchel’s task as England manager is to lead the Three Lions to World Cup glory in 2026. His first game in charge will be on Friday, 21 March, against Albania at Wembley. That game is swiftly followed by Latvia on Monday, 24 March.
Maguire outscoring Jadon Sancho
When Chelsea signed Sancho on loan – with an obligation – at the beginning of the season, they did not think Maguire would outscore the winger this season.
Well, that is what has happened so far, with Maguire scoring three goals compared to Sancho’s two.
Stats like that won’t see Sancho getting a place back in the England squad, but recent matches show how Tuchel could take advantage of Maguire’s presence in the box from corners.
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