Manchester United defender Harry Maguire will not be part of England’s Euro 2024 squad after losing his battle with injury ahead of Gareth Southgate’s final squad announcement.
Having participated in two World Cups, Maguire was expected to secure his place in the squad as seven players from the preliminary group are set to be sent home, a decision to be made no later than after England’s match against Iceland on Friday night. However, Maguire has unfortunately had to relinquish his spot on the plane to Germany.
The Athletic was the first to report Maguire’s omission. The 31-year-old has been sidelined since April due to an ongoing calf issue, casting doubts on his availability even as he missed Manchester United’s FA Cup final win over Manchester City.
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Despite hopes of his recovery in time for Southgate’s final squad, Maguire had not returned to training by Thursday morning, when England were preparing for their last warm-up game. Maguire, along with United teammate Luke Shaw and Brighton’s Lewis Dunk, underwent individual training programs. Shaw’s status as left-back seemed more certain than Maguire’s.
Maguire’s absence will undoubtedly be a significant blow to England, who are aiming for success in Germany. His exit likely opens the door for Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi to step in as the preferred partner for John Stones in defense.
Southgate’s final squad announcement is imminent, with the UEFA deadline set for midnight (CET) on Friday. Tottenham Hotspur’s James Maddison and Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones have already been ruled out, with both players leaving the training camp after being omitted from the squad.