England manager Gareth Southgate has defended Harry Maguire over what he believes is an "agenda" against the Manchester United captain. Maguire, 29, was selected by Southgate on Friday night as the Three Lions took on Italy in their latest Nations League showdown.
Having started the first two Premier League games this season - when United were soundly beaten - Maguire has since been dropped by Erik ten Hag with Raphael Varane and summer signing Lisandro Martinez preferred. But with limited options and John Stones banned, England were forced to call upon Maguire once again in Milan.
According to Southgate, though, that selection was fully justified owing to the form Maguire has shown during his reign as England manager. In that time, the £80million signing has been a central figure during impressive runs to the 2018 World Cup semi-finals in Russia and Euro 2020 showpiece last summer.
