‘STRONGMAN MAGUIRE VITAL’

HARRY MAGUIRE has been hailed as a “strong leader” who is crucial to England’s World Cup hopes.

The experienced Manchester United centre-back (right) has lost his starting place at club level.

But there are no such doubts within the England camp.

Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate said: “He’s technically a fantastic footballer with the ball, he’s a very strong leader in the team, his physical stature, the aerial challenge, is one we need. We haven’t got anybody else with that kind of physical presence.” Maguire has built a strong partnership with Manchester City defender John Stones over several years on the international stage. Southgate added: “There is also the relationships with other players in the defence which are also part of your thinking when you’re picking a team, because that understanding you don’t have long to work on.

“The more those relationships are there over a period of time, I think it is helpful.”