WHAT A MESS:

Embarrassing Southgate U-turn over Maguire as he’s pulled out of England squad after getting suspended jail term

GARETH SOUTHGATE was forced into an embarrassing climbdown after Harry Maguire was given a suspended jail sentence in a Greek court.

Southgate initially named Maguire in his 24-man England squad despite the Manchester United captain facing charges of aggravated assault, resisting arrest and repeated bribery.

Maguire was later found guilty, sentenced to 21 months and 10 days which was suspended and the FA

FROM BACK PAGE issued a statement pulling him out of the squad. England boss Southgate said: “In light of this evening’s developments, I have withdrawn Harry Maguire from the England squad for the matches against Iceland and Denmark.

“As I said earlier today, I reserved the right to review the situation. Having spoken to Manchester United and the player, I have made this decision in the best interests of all parties and with consideration of the impact on our preparations.”

It was a remarkable U-turn which leaves the FA with egg on their face and facing question marks as to why they could rushed into naming him in the squad when they should have waited. Southgate’s passionate defence of Maguire hours earlier – calling him an “outstanding character” – shows he still believes in his defender’s version of events with the United star still determined to appeal and clear his name. Maguire insists that HE was the one who was assaulted by eight men, not in uniform, who kicked him and the player’s legal team insist they have forensic evidence to back up their claims.

Maguire believed he thought he was being robbed after a gang tried to inject his sister with drugs during a night out on holiday in Mykonos.

He also flatly denies saying ‘Don’t you know who I am?’ while his legal team insist they were not given enough time to prepare after being presented with a 50-page crime sheet the night before the case began.