England boss Southgate provides telling Maguire verdict after poor Ukraine draw

England supervisor Gareth Southgate collectively praised his centre-back pairing after Saturday’s lacklustre Euro 2024 qualifying draw in opposition to Ukraine. But Southgate reasonably tellingly brushed over Harry Maguire and opted to bathe Marc Guehi with reward as the perimeter Manchester United star battles for his worldwide future.

Maguire began for England at Wroclaw’s Tarczynski Arena regardless of failing to start out any of United’s 4 Premier League video games this season.

The 30-year-old has slipped down Erik ten Hag’s pecking order after being stripped of the captaincy and is now fourth alternative at Old Trafford.

But he stored his place in Southgate’s aspect as England resumed their preparations for subsequent summer time’s Euro 2024 in Germany.

Kyle Walker’s equaliser cancelled out Oleksandr Zinchenko’s opener within the 1-1 stalemate as England underwhelmed.

And whereas Southgate was comfortable together with his centre-backs after full-time, he targeted virtually all of his reward on Guehi.

“Yeah, [they were] very good. And especially for Marc [Guehi]. That’s a really great test for a young centre-back in one of his first qualifying games for us [England],” Southgate defined.

“I thought he came through really well. Good composure, never looked ruffled, positionally good, so very pleased with what he did.”

It follows Southgate’s feedback earlier this week when he advised that Maguire persevering with to not play for United will turn into an issue down the road.

But for now, the United star continues to obtain his worldwide supervisor’s vote of confidence.

Southgate mentioned: “He’s looked good. He’s training with top players every day. Obviously, he got into the game the other day at a critical point.

“As a defender, that is not perfect to return right into a recreation in that scenario.

“But of course, he’s a very experienced player, and he’s looked very good in training. Harry knows where our support is.