FORMER England boss Glenn Hoddle has predicted that Harry Maguire will be dropped for England’s opening game in Qatar.
The tournament is quickly approaching and The Three Lions’ opener against Iran is less than a week away.
Debates continue on Gareth Southgate’s squad and who of the 26 should make their way into his starting line-up of the group game.
Hoddle, who managed England between 1996 and 1999, has put his thoughts forward and revealed his excitement over a potential Phil Foden and James Maddison midfield link-up.
The pundit also admitted he thinks the out-of-form Maguire could miss out on Iran.
Hoddle told the Mail: “I can understand why he’s put Maguire in [the squad].
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“I don’t think Maguire will start, but he might if Southgate wants to go into a three (at the back). I can see Southgate using him, if needs be, later in the tournament
“Maguire would love to start the game against Iran but if he was thrown in, there’d be a little doubt in the back of his mind.”
The 65-year-old also pondered England’s midfield, with Kalvin Phillips’ inclusion in the squad despite his injuries adding to Southgate’s options.
Hoddle added: “I’m glad to see Maddison’s in — he’s in great form and I would like to see him start.
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“I think he’s that good and he hasn’t been given a chance yet with England, and he and Foden would be something special.
“The one doubt I have — not because of his ability because I quite like him and he had a really good Euros — is Kalvin Phillips. Shoulder injuries are very difficult ones to know whether they’re absolutely okay.”
England’s tournament begins in six days time when they play Iran, before highly-anticipated clashes with the USA and Wales.
They’re looking to go one better than 2018 when the Three Lions surprisingly reached the semi-finals before being beaten by Croatia.
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Four years earlier in Brazil, England’s tournament unravelled from the very first game and they crashed out in the group stages.
While in 2010 the country were beaten by Germany in the knock-outs but only after an infamous Frank Lampard shot was judged to have not crossed the goal line in South Africa.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
