Politics
Harry Maguire certain to miss England’s Euro 2020 opener as Gareth Southgate gambles picking FOUR crocked stars
HARRY MAGUIRE revealed he has only just started light training in his race to be fit for the Euros.
The Manchester United captain looks certain to miss England’s June 13 opener against Croatia and is a doubt for the other group games.
Harry Maguire picked up an ankle injury during Manchester United’s 3-1 win against Aston Villa last month[/caption]
Boss Gareth Southgate also confirmed Jordan Henderson is not fully fit, while Jack Grealish and Marcus Rashford are dealing with niggles.
However, Southgate took a big gamble by naming all four in his final 26-man squad.
Maguire, who damaged ankle ligaments against Aston Villa last month, said: “I have done little bits of running.
“I don’t want to aggravate it too early as we still have nearly two weeks until the first game and it is a long tournament.
“I am taking it day by day. I have not asked for a time-frame but I am looking forward to being involved.
“It can improve dramatically in a few days and you can have little setbacks.”
Maguire, 28, missed United’s Europa League final defeat to Villarreal in Poland a week ago, although he will report for England duty in Middlesbrough after his quarantine spell.
Southgate, preparing for Wednesday’s friendly with Austria, stressed that Liverpool captain Henderson, sidelined since February after groin surgery, is not 100 per cent but may play some minutes at the Riverside.
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The England boss said: “Both of the players are not where you would want them to be in terms of being available for the game against Croatia.
“With Jordan and Harry, we selected a squad that, if they don’t get there, we are not in a situation where we haven’t got cover.
“The most important thing is we don’t push them beyond the point they are ready for — that would be stupid, negligent.
“We have had to modify Jordan through certain parts of the session. He will be involved in the game.”
However, Grealish is struggling with a shin problem and Rashford has foot and shoulder issues.
Southgate added: “Jack hasn’t been able to train every day and we have to manage his load.
“Marcus we haven’t seen on the grass but he assures me he is happy with where he is at.”
