Best of Harry Maguire as He insists his intense criticism is for ‘clicks’ after rare outing in England’s defeat by Italy
Harry Maguire defended his selection for England during their 1-0 loss to Italy, which saw them relegated from the Nations League's top flight.
Giacomo Raspadori scored in the 68th minute to hand the Three Lions their third defeat in five games at the San Siro in Milan.
Worryingly for Southgate, his squad has now gone five competitive matches without a win and has not scored in open play for 450 minutes.
The Three Lions leader Gareth Southgate praised the 29-year-old, but his place in the starting lineup has come under criticism after not playing for United in six weeks, dropping behind Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez in the pecking order.
Despite losing his place under Erik ten Hag at the club level, the Red Devils captain says he is ready to play anytime he is called upon. He last appeared for United in a 4-0 thrashing of Brentford.
‘I am all good, ready to play, I feel fit and fresh,’ Maguire told talkSPORT. I don’t know what was said on my form because I don’t read about it.
‘I felt pretty good coming off three positive games with England in the summer and a solid pre-season.’
‘Obviously, the manager [Erik ten Hag] made the decision to leave me out for a game, and the squad has been winning ever since.’
‘I’m working hard on my training pitch to ensure I’m ready when my chance comes.’ That is the most I can do to assist the squad.
‘I’m not thinking about anyone else or what people are saying; I believe that if people can write a story about me, as Manchester United captain, it will make major news.’
‘So, that’s why they do it; they want the clicks and stuff like that, but I went into the Euros after an eight-week injury, didn’t play a single game, and made the tournament team.’
‘In terms of rustiness and such, I am confident it will not occur.’
Germany travels to Wembley next week after losing 1-0 at home to the group’s surprise package, Hungary, on Friday.
The encounter against Germany is England’s penultimate opportunity to play together before the World Cup begins on November 20, with the Three Lions facing Iran the following day.
