A "more relaxed" environment within the England camp could help Harry Maguire get his Manchester United season back on track.
That’s the view of Danny Mills, who has claimed Gareth Southgate needs to be careful with his handling of Maguire during the international break. The United man has been criticised by supporters for his poor form, with the club now outsiders to earn a top-four spot in the Premier League.
The United captain saw his side eliminated from the Champions League by Atletico Madrid last week, adding to the pressure on him and the rest of the squad. His recent displays have been a far cry from the shifts he put in for England throughout Euro 2020 as he helped his side reach the final of the competition.
READ MORE: Manchester United have been given another reminder of their £50m transfer mistake
Despite his recent struggles, Southgate has named Maguire in his Three Lions squad for the upcoming friendlies against Switzerland and Ivory Coast. Mills told Sky Sports that the change of scenery could benefit him when he returns to his club after the international break.
“I think Gareth is fully aware that he may well need, and is likely to need, Harry Maguire come the World Cup so he has to manage that situation very carefully,” he said. “Sometimes going away with England when you’re under a lot of pressure at club level, a change is as good as a rest.
“And Harry may well feel a little bit more relaxed playing for England in that environment. That just might help him out when he goes back to play for Manchester United.”
Former Manchester City defender Mills backed Maguire to make the squad for the World Cup in Qatar if his performances improve. However, he did add that he believes there is a lack of depth at centre-back for the Three Lions.
He added: “We don’t have too many centre-backs in this country. If Harry Maguire regains some sort of form before Qatar, then there’s every chance he’s going to go.
"He’s very rarely let England down, or let Gareth down, and Gareth will know that. He will know he is going through a very difficult time at the moment.”
He continued: “They don’t have too many options. It’s not like when I played, where Gareth himself was generally a substitute along with the likes of Martin Keown.
"We had Sol Campbell, Rio Ferdinand, John Terry, Jonathan Woodgate, Jamie Carragher. So many great centre-halves that you could pick and choose and you could drop players.”
Sign up to our United newsletter so you never miss an update from Old Trafford this season.
