Erik ten Hag has addressed Ralf Rangnick's concern about Harry Maguire at Manchester United

Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw were inches away from immortality last summer and yet, 12 months later, both men — along with their England manager Gareth Southgate — will be sweating over Erik ten Hag and his impending decision on their Manchester United roles.

Not since 1966 had England reached the final of a major international tournament. With matches scattered around Europe and impacted by the devastating Covid-19 pandemic, though, the Three Lions created history, and the bedrock for their memorable charge was split 50-50 between United and neighbours Manchester City.

Maguire and Shaw formed one half of a watertight defence that was only (cruelly) beaten on penalties in the final. Over in the blue (and right sided) corner, meanwhile, stood Kyle Walker and John Stones.

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It still hurts to remember those tears that fell beneath the famous Wembley arch and, for the United contingent, there could be further pain to follow in this a World Cup year. The decisions Ten Hag takes could have a major impact on England's plans for Qatar this winter.

Southgate has often stayed loyal to Maguire and other integral pieces of his England jigsaw, while other stars have been cast aside due to club issues. However, one concern over him that Ten Hag is poised and ready to address has been highlighted in public before.

Speaking about Maguire last campaign, former United interim manager Ralf Rangnick said: "Since I arrived, we have been discussing this because he prefers to play on the left side although he is right-footed. And now I saw him play for England last week, when he played in a back four on the right side.

"That's why I decided he should play on the right side, which is