Gareth Southgate warned over Harry Maguire inclusion gamble ahead of World Cup

England manager Gareth Southgate has been warned about picking Manchester United captain, Harry Maguire, for the World Cup.

The Reds centre-back has witnessed his form suffer this season and has come under frequent criticism for his performances at club level. Despite his form at Old Trafford, the Three Lions boss persists to select the £80m-man and it has delivered with Maguire coming up with big moments in games, including his header against Albania to break the deadlock in November.

With John Stones pulling out of the starting line-up to face Switzerland at the 11th-hour, it remains to be seen whether Maguire will get a run-out against Ivory Coast. But, with the World Cup on the horizon and England's place in the tournament sealed, Southgate has been warned that form-permitting, his decision to select the 29-year-old could be a masterstroke or a mistake.

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"The thing with Harry Maguire is if he plays, starts at the World Cup - which he is probably going to - and does well, it'll be justified for his decision," former Newcastle player Darren Ambrose told talkSPORT. "But if he doesn't - it takes a brave manager to do this - because if [in] the first game he makes a mistake or two, everyone is going to be saying 'he's been doing that at club level for a season, season-and-a-half.'

"Obviously, we hope he comes into some form before the World Cup. But it takes a brave manager to just stick with the reliable ones, the ones that haven't let you down at international form (sic), even if you're off form for your club."

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