When Gareth Southgate names his team for England’s World Cup opener against Iran on Monday week, one thing is for certain – Harry Maguire will be in that starting XI.
Never mind that he has not been playing in the Premier League and never mind that he made mistakes in the 3-3 Nations League draw against Germany in September. The manager has picked a squad with players who he believes in – and who have not let him down in the past at the major tournaments.
And if we forget that Germany match, when his confidence was shot, has Maguire let England down? No. He was one of the main players who helped England reach the semi-final in Russia four years ago and Southgate will still see him as part of the spine of his team.
