Maguire in line to play as Stones backs his ‘partner’
JOHN STONES insists England can rely on him and Harry Maguire at the heart of their defence.
The pair have formed a solid partnership for the Three Lions in the past alongside Kyle Walker in Gareth Southgate’s preferred back three.
Stones, 28, and Maguire, 29, are set for their third tournament together after reaching the World
Cup semi-finals in 2018 and the Euro 2020 final 16 months ago.
The pair have played together
29 times for the Three Lions.
Manchester United man Maguire has been out of favour at Old Trafford under new boss Erik ten Hag.
He has started just one Premier League game since August because of his poor form and injury.
But City defender Stones says that doesn’t mean their defensive bond has been broken for England.
“When I look at Harry, I see a partner. Through all the experiences we’ve had together he’s had my back and I’ve had his back,” he said.
“We’ve had so many games together, we’ve made a bond and a partnership.
“We know what the other person is going to do and how we work best together.
“Whatever team or whatever system Gareth decides, if it’s me and Harry we will use those bonds again.
“They are too strong to be broken by (lack of) game time, form, whatever it is. That kind of goes out the window.
“Harry’s an incredible player, you don’t get to the standard he has without being. The adversity he has gone through, and still is to some extent, shows the character of the person to never give in.”
Maguire has been booed by both United and England fans recently which has left him under pressure if he starts against Iran next week.
But Southgate is expected to stick with the United man who has delivered in an England shirt for the Three Lions boss.
Southgate has even set up his own “support line” for the under-fire centre-back.
He has made a point of being in touch on a regular basis with Maguire throughout his problems at Old Trafford. And the England boss has reassured Maguire that he would happily let him wear the armband if necessary as one of his trusted lieutenants on the pitch. It underlines Southgate’s unwavering faith in Maguire and also suggests that he is in line to start England’s first game in Qatar on Monday.
He has insisted that his squad has a better chance of winning the World Cup with the United defender in the line-up.
Southgate (inset) has gone out of his way to lift Maguire’s confidence and, while he does keep in contact with other England players, he has made regular calls to ensure Maguire feels valued.
He is already one of England’s most important players along with Harry
Kane, Jordan Henderson and Raheem Sterling.
They have been part of the leadership group and Southgate has made it clear to Maguire that he values his qualities.
Meanwhile, Stones has been joined in Qatar by City team-mates Walker and
Kalvin Phillips, despite the pair only just returning from injury.
Walker has battled through a groin problem to make the trip while Phillips has overcome a shoulder injury which needed an operation.
“They’ve both been working extremely hard to make the tournament,” Stones said.
“They’ve defied expert advice and I’m so happy for them as people and players that they’re on the plane.
“It is a credit to the guys at City and credit to themselves.”