Gareth Southgate has stated that if Harry Maguire is not playing regular club football, he will not be called up for England duty.
Under new boss Erik Ten Hag, the Manchester United captain has almost completely fallen out of favour at Old Trafford this season, earning only seven Premier League starts thus far.
Southgate’s choice to choose the defender for the last number of Three Lions selections has been called into question due to his lack of game time and typically poor performances when he is on the pitch.
Southgate called up Maguire for England duty again this week, along with Kalvin Phillips, who has just made one Premier League start for Manchester City, and the manager was particularly questioned about both players’ choices at his news conference announcing the team.
“Inevitably it’s not a situation that can continue on forever, “Southgate explained. “It’s like Kalvin Phillips, they are important players for us and with Kalvin we haven’t got many players who can play as that single [midfield] pivot.”
Trent Alexander-Arnold received a well-deserved recall to the defence elsewhere after a run of strong displays for Liverpool toward the conclusion of the season.
Speaking about Alexander-Arnold, Southgate was keen to stress how good a relationship he has with the player despite recent England snubs.
“Contrary to what might be the mood music – I have a really good relationship with him and we talk a lot about his game, football,” Southgate continued.
“I’ve always recognised his qualities as a player but he’s just been unlucky that we’ve got Walker, who has just had three of the best games I’ve seen from a right-back, Trippier who has probably been one of the outstanding players this season, Reece James also.”