FOR FOXES FORGET RUSSIA
Puel’s World Cup warning
LEICESTER boss Claude Puel has urged his England stars to forget the World Cup – until the summer.
Harry Maguire and Jamie Vardy are both in line to be on the plane to Russia as part of Gareth Southgate’s squad, with Demarai Gray also hoping for a call-up.
But Puel says there is work to be done at Leicester first, with the Foxes chasing seventh spot in the Premier League.
Despite not winning a top-flight game in February, they are still in contention to finish as ‘best of the rest’ just outside the top six.
The Frenchman said: “The most important thing is to think about Leicester City – not the national team.
“That is another thing. For Maguire and Vardy, it’s a normal thing to have some interest in the national team.
Reward
“But if Leicester can get good results and a good place in the table, all the players will improve and it would be a great reward for those players.
“They need to keep a good focus and concentration with their club.”
Puel has already backed Vardy to start alongside potential World Cup captain Harry Kane in attack for Southgate’s men.
And he says fans should not rule out Maguire forcing his way into the starting XI after an impressive first season at the King Power Stadium. He added: “Of course I ® am not the England manager. But Harry has shown a lot of qualities and consistency since the start of this season.
“He has become a very valuable player for the national team also.
“He can give a good option for the manager.
“Harry has improved a lot since the beginning of the season and that can continue. It’s not a surprise. He is a talented player.
“But his progress has been amazing.”
Puel hopes to have striker Shinji Okazaki back from a knee injury in time to face Bournemouth at home tomorrow. TODAY’S DIARY FOOTBALL Sky Bet Championship Middlesbrough v Leeds (7.45pm) ...................... BASKETBALL BBL Championship: ICE HOCKEY Elite League: RUGBY LEAGUE Betfred Super League Hull v Warrington (7.45pm) ................................ Wigan v Widnes (8pm) ....................................... RUGBY UNION Aviva Premiership Harlequins v Bath (7.45pm) ............................... Guinness Pro14: ACROSS: DOWN: