SOUTHGATE: DECISION IN ALL’S BEST INTERESTS

phone call. Barely three hours later, though, the England centre-back was found guilty by a Greek court of repeated bodily harm, attempted bribery, violence against public employees and insult.

He was sentenced to 21 months and 10 days in jail, suspended for three years because it was his first offence.

A brief FA statement from Southgate released less than six hours after the original announcement said: “In light of this evening’s developments, I can confirm I have withdrawn Harry Maguire from the England squad.

“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 for next week.” Maguire said he had instructed his legal team to appeal the decision “with immediate effect”. A statement added: “I remain strong and confident regarding our innocence in this matter - if anything, myself, family and friends are the victims.”

News of the incident emerged on Friday morning and United are standing by him. “Harry Maguire continues to strongly assert his innocence,” the club said in a statement. “It should be noted that the prosecution confirmed the charges and provided their evidence late on the day before the trial, giving the defence team minimal time to digest them and prepare. On this basis, along with the substantial body of evidence refuting the charges, Harry Maguire’s legal team will now appeal the verdict.” In his squad Southgate gave a first senior call-up to Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden, left.