Harry Maguire is not a part of the England squad preparing to take on Serbia at Euro 2024, having failed to recover from a calf injury sustained with Manchester United
Southgate and Kane preview Euro 2024 opener against Serbia
Harry Maguire has put his disappointment behind him and will be cheering on England during their Euro 2024 opener against Serbia on Sunday night.
Maguire is not a part of Gareth Southgate’s squad in Germany having been left out of the final 26-man squad due to injury. The Manchester United centre-back has been a key player for the Three Lions under Southgate’s management but couldn’t shake off a calf injury.
After being released from the original 33-man squad, Maguire headed out to Turkey to spend some time on holiday with his family. He has been staying at the five-star Maxx Royal Belek resort in Antalya, where deluxe accommodation costs up to £6,400 per night.
And although he is on the sun lounger rather than the pitch, Maguire will be tuning in to support his team-mates in their 8pm kick-off against Serbia in Gelsenkirchen on Sunday. Posting a picture of him holding hands with his daughters, Lillie Saint, five, and Piper Rose, three, who were wearing England shirts with Maguire on the back, he wrote: “Ready for the game – Come on England.”
Maguire’s post in support of England also served as recognition of father’s day on June 16 in the United Kingdom. Although disappointed to miss out on selection for the Euros, the 31-year-old is clearly enjoying some well-earned family time after a tricky season at United.
He joined up with England at the end of the season but had not played for United since the 1-1 draw against Burnley on April 27 due to injury. He missed their 2-1 win over Manchester City in the FA Cup final and ultimately could not prove his fitness for the squad, with Southgate picking Lewis Dunk, Ezri Konsa and Marc Guehi to support John Stones in central defence.
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“I am devastated not to have been selected to play for England at the Euros this summer,” Maguire said after his absence was confirmed. “Despite my best efforts, I have not been able to overcome an injury to my calf. Maybe I pushed myself too hard, to try and make it.
“Simply, I am absolutely gutted. For me, representing England is the highest honour. It means everything to me. If I can’t help the team as a player, I will support them as a fan – along with the rest of the country.
“Go and win it boys. Next, I will return to the supervision of the Manchester United medical team in order to prepare for next season.”
Guehi is expected to start alongside Stones, who has shaken off an illness, during the first Euro 2024 match against Serbia. The Crystal Palace defender has also had to recover from a serious injury and has earned Southgate’s trust for the Group C opener.
England will then face Denmark and Slovenia for the chance to reach the knockout stages. They are aiming to go one better than the last tournament, when they were beaten on penalties by Italy in the final.
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The Three Lions are among the favourites to win this summer’s Euro 2024 tournament and you can get your hands on the brand new Nike home and away kits before the first whistle.
