MAGUIRE RECALL ON THE CARDS
GARETH SOUTHGATE will leave the door open for Harry Maguire to receive an England recall.
The Manchester United captain has been granted permission to appeal his guilty verdicts in Greece on charges of aggravated assault, resisting arrest and attempted bribery.
But the process could take up to two years.
Southgate remains supportive of Maguire, despite dropping him from the England squad.
Maguire could be back as soon as October for England’s games against Wales, Belgium and Denmark while United will let him keep the captain’s armband.
It is a big show of faith despite Maguire being given a 21-month suspended prison sentence after his arrest while on holiday in Mykonos. Maguire’s legal team began the fight
to clear his name yesterday while United said a statement: “In accordance with the Greek judicial process, the filing of an appeal nullifies the conviction.
“The appeal has been accepted and will lead to a full retrial in a more senior court. This means Harry has no criminal record and is once again presumed innocent.” Maguire has had calls, texts and messages of support from England team-mates since being dumped from the squad.
He has denied all wrongdoing and says he was attacked by police.
Prosecutor Yoannis Paradissis said Maguire should apologise to affect an appeal.
But brother Laurence, a Chesterfield defender, said on Twitter: “Absolute no chance Harry will be apologising.”