Harry Maguire learns Lee Carsley's true feelings about him after being axed from England squad
Harry Maguire was a stalwart for England under Gareth Southgate but interim boss Lee Carsley has snubbed the Manchester United star ahead of next week's Nations League fixtures
by Nathan Ridley · The MirrorLee Carsley insists that Manchester United star Harry Maguire still has a future with England, despite ruthlessly dropping him from the Three Lions' squad.
Maguire, 31, has been largely ever-present for England since his debut in 2017, having been a firm favourite under previous manager Gareth Southgate. The United defender missed this summer's European Championship because of a calf injury but Carsley called him up for September's internationals and started him in his first match as interim manager, a comfortable 2-0 win away to the Republic of Ireland.
On Thursday, though, Carsley announced his latest round of call-ups ahead of next week's Nations League clashes with Greece and Finland, and Maguire wasn't included. The £80million centre-back has only started cup games for United since the last international break, losing his starting spot to new signing Matthijs de Ligt, and missed the Red Devils' humiliating 3-0 defeat at home to Tottenham on Sunday through injury.
Southgate stuck by Maguire when he was lacking minutes at club level but Carsley, who remains in charge while the FA look for a permanent replacement, has been more ruthless. However, the caretaker boss insists that Maguire's England career isn't over.
"Harry is a player I've worked with in the past," Carsley replied when asked about the former United captain's omission. "He's been very positive in the conversation we've had. We've got some very good centre-backs that we want to see play. Harry still has a very important role to play, not only in this squad but in the campaign."
Those benefitting from Maguire's omission include Marc Guehi, Ezri Konsa, Levi Colwill and John Stones, with Carsley only naming seven defenders in his squad. West Ham forward Jarrod Bowen has also been cut from the 25-man group alongside Newcastle defender Tino Livramento.
Get involved! Does Harry Maguire deserve to be in the England squad? Have your say in the comments section.
Carsley's decision also leaves teenager Kobbie Mainoo as the only United player to be called up. Marcus Rashford hasn't done enough at the start of the Premier League season to earn a recall, having been snubbed by Southgate ahead of Euro 2024. England host Greece next Thursday at Wembley before travelling to face Finland in Helsinki on the Sunday.
England squad to face Greece and Finland
Goalkeepers:Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), Nick Pope (Newcastle United)
Defenders: Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), John Stones (Manchester City), Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Levi Colwill (Chelsea), Rico Lewis (Manchester City), Kyle Walker (Manchester City)
Midfielders:Conor Gallagher (Atletico Madrid), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Cole Palmer (Chelsea), Morgan Gibbs-White (Nottingham Forest), Angel Gomes (Lille), Phil Foden (Manchester City), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)
Forwards:Jack Grealish (Manchester City), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle United), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Noni Madueke (Chelsea) Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa), Dominic Solanke (Tottenham Hotspur)
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Sky Sports deal
Sky Sports launches 'lowest price' Premier League package
£43 (was £52)
Sky has slashed the price of its Sky Sports, Sky Stream, Sky TV and Netflix bundle in an unbeatable new deal that saves £216 and includes 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
With Ultra HD included at no extra cost, football fans can enjoy the 2024/25 season with crystal clear picture quality.