GARETH’S MAG SUPPORT LINE

GARETH SOUTHGATE has set up his own “support line” to Harry Maguire.

The Three Lions boss made a point of being in touch on a regular basis with Maguire during his problems at Manchester United. And Southgate has even reassured the defender, 29, (both left) he would happily let him wear the captain’s armband, if necessary, as one of his trusted lieutenants on the pitch. It underlines the unwavering faith in the player and also suggests he is in line for England’s first game against Iran on Monday.

Maguire has started just one Premier League game in the last three months after falling out of favour under new Old Trafford boss Erik ten Hag.

But he has won 48 caps and played a huge role in the 2018 finals when England reached the semifinal and at last year’s Euros when they suffered shoot-out heartbreak in the final. That has earned Southgate’s unerring faith and he insists they have a better chance of winning with Maguire in the line-up.

Southgate has gone out of his way to lift Maguire’s confidence and he has made regular calls and checks to make sure Maguire feels valued.

Along with captain Harry Kane, Jordan Henderson and Raheem Sterling he is part of the leadership group and Southgate has made it clear he values Maguire’s qualities.