Harry Maguire dealt blow ahead of England squad announcement

Manchester United defender Harry Maguire will be left out of the England squad ahead of this month’s Nations League fixtures.

Lee Carsley will name his second England squad this afternoon as they face Greece and Finland, with the England Under-21 boss starting his interim spell in charge with wins against the Republic of Ireland and Finland.

Maguire was included in the squad for September’s internationals but he misses out after the emergence of Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt as Erik ten Hag’s preferred centre-back pairing, as per The Athletic.

The 31-year-old missed United’s 3-0 defeat against Tottenham due to injury last weekend, although he is thought to be available for tonight’s Europa League tie against FC Porto.

Carsley’s squad announcement is expected at 2pm. Former United academy star Angel Gomes, who is impressing at Lille, will be hoping for his second call up.

Maguire ultimatum

As one of Gareth Southgate’s most trusted lieutenants, Maguire must get to terms with life under Lee Carsley, especially if he is to become the permanent manager of the Three Lions.

Maguire has quickly found out that he will no longer walk into the England squad. Southgate had his favourites, while Carsley is the new man in the hot seat, trying to make a positive impression.

It’s clear that he has been down the pecking order at United, however, it’s a positive for us that he won’t be running the risk of getting injured during the international break.

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