Harry gets full backing

GARETH SOUTHGATE has told Harry Maguire he is still one of the best defenders in the business. Maguire has endured a torrid season at club level after finding himself axed by Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag.

But there was no chance of Southgate leaving him out of his 26-man squad for Qatar 2022. Maguire is also expected to start when the Three Lions kick off their Group B campaign against Iran in Doha today.

And Southgate believes he is right to remain loyal to someone who has rarely let him down in an England shirt. He said: “Loyalty comes from performances over time and knowing that to play for England is a different experience to any other. “Players have to be able to handle that. The ones that have been here longer, we know they can do that.

“What are his strengths? Well, 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 haven’t got anybody else with that physical presence.”

Southgate has told his England stars to cherish the World Cup, along with the chance to become a special part of sporting history.

The squad was given a pep-talk from the Prince of Wales before heading to the Middle East and will once again have an entire nation behind them. Southgate said: “There is a lot of negativity around the tournament but I want them to understand the unique honour of representing England at a major tournament.

“This is what they have wanted to do their whole lives. We have tried to talk about those things and make it feel special.

“Obviously the future king was with us to help endorse that, which was special for everybody.

“We’ve remind ourselves of the privilege of being here and the uniqueness of it. “Only 16 England teams have ever been to a World Cup and you have to remind yourself of this moment in time.”