Manchester United defender Harry Maguire sent clear message over England call-up

Harry Maguire will repay the faith shown in him by England manager Gareth Southgate after brushing off struggles at Manchester United to keep his place in the national team. That's according to Joe Cole as he suggests Southgate has made the right decision over the £80million captain.

After starring for the Three Lions at Euro 2020 last summer, Maguire has been heavily criticised at Old Trafford and beyond this season. His form has led to suggestions United might set their sights on another centre-back during the upcoming transfer window after signing Raphael Varane last year.

Borussia Dortmund player Manuel Akanji and Antonio Rudiger from Chelsea have been mooted in that same regard. The latter comes due to off-field issues at Stamford Bridge.

READ MORE: Raphael Varane handed injury scare while on international duty with France

Maguire continues to hold down a regular place in the United line-up, though, while the 29-year-old is expected to win his 42nd cap against Switzerland this afternoon (5.30pm). England follow up that friendly with another game vs Ivory Coast on Tuesday night (7.45pm).

Speaking as part of a promotion for bookmakers Coral, pundit and ex-England playmaker Cole said: "Harry Maguire is still a leader in that England squad and he has been outstanding in an England shirt over the last few years. That's without question. He has been absolutely outstanding over these last four years.

"His performances have been colossal. Gareth Southgate is the most successful England manager since Alf Ramsey and I don't think we can question his decision so I'm firmly in the camp that he has made the right decision to keep Harry in the squad. I think that he will repay his faith over the coming months."

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