GARETH SOUTHGATE has insisted Harry Maguire is a ‘big, big player’ for England ahead of his return.
The defender will make his first international appearance for 11 months when the Three Lions face Belgium tonight.
Gareth Southgate has praised the Manchester United defender ahead of his returnCredit: PA:Press Association
Maguire was dropped from the England squad after he was arrested in Mykonos.
He was convicted of bribery, aggravated assault and resisting arrest while on holiday.
But since he has appealed the 21-month suspended sentence, he has been given the go ahead to return.
And Southgate has admitted he is ‘pivotal’ to their success ahead of Sunday’s match.
The England boss said: “We’re delighted to have him back with us. He’s an absolute top player.
“He’s been pivotal to every good performance that we’ve had over the last few years and the success of the team, a lot of that has resided on having his stability and ability to bring the ball out from the back.
“We couldn’t have more faith and belief in what is possible for him. He’s a big, big player for us.
“There’s obviously a lot changed in his life, a lot that he’s gone through over the last couple of months.
“He faces a different level of scrutiny on his performance because he’s the captain of Manchester United but he’s absolutely outstanding as far as we’re concerned.”
Maguire is set to start for England following Manchester United’s shocking 6-1 defeat to Spurs.
But Southgate understands that picking his players up after poor results or injuries is just part of his job.
He added: “We had a lot of players coming in after a weekend where there were some incredible results really and difficult days.
“As an international team, that is one of the things you pick up, the consequences of club performances and the level of confidence of players and where they might be.
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“Players might have had injuries, difficult matches, they may not have been selected.
“You are dealing with all of that and trying to get them back on track.”
Jordan Henderson could also return for the game against Belgium – but Harry Kane has been ruled out through injury.
Gareth Southgate hits back at Jose Mourinho and insists it’s Tottenham’s job to look after Harry Kane for England
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
