GARETH SOUTHGATE was caught in a row over whether to recall Harry Maguire after he appealed against his conviction by a Greek court.
The England boss was urged by members of his coaching staff — as well as Maguire himself — to reinstate the Manchester United captain for tomorrow’s Nations League opener in Reykjavik.
Harry Maguire asked to be reinstated into the England squadCredit: AFP or licensors
Senior FA figures were equally adamant the star should be kept out of the squad to face Iceland and Denmark.
Southgate opted not to take on his FA bosses — deciding that Maguire would be best to clear his head before the start of the domestic season.
The England manager was left red-faced on August 25 when he named Maguire in his squad — only to axe him that evening after the centre-half was found guilty of bribery, aggravated assault and resisting arrest while on holiday in Mykonos.
But when Maguire appealed and was officially cleared to play, he rang Southgate and asked to be recalled.
He received support from some of Southgate’s backroom staff, who were concerned about England’s lack of defensive depth and wanted him in the team.
Yet Southgate felt it was in the player’s best interests for him to take a break.
Southgate took the advice of senior FA chiefsCredit: Rex Features
United have also allowed him to return late for pre-season training, before their Premier League campaign begins against Crystal Palace on September 19.
Southgate assured Maguire he will be in the squad to face Wales, Belgium and Denmark at Wembley next month.
Maguire, 27, is considered innocent after an appeal was granted against his convictions and 21-month suspended prison sentence. A retrial may not be held for up to two years.
Harry Maguire was arrested by undercover cops drafted in from mainland Greece to target organised crime on Mykonos
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
