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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Aiden Beswick

Gareth Southgate names Harry Maguire as best English Premier League defender

Harry Maguire has returned to England's starting XI for the first time since recovering from an ankle injury he sustained in Manchester United's 3-1 win over Aston Villa on May 9 last season.

The centre-back replaces Tyrone Mings in Gareth Southgate's team, marking his first appearance of Euro 2020 for the Three Lions.

England take on Czech Republic at Wembley Stadium this evening, with kick-off between the two nations at 8pm.

Regarding Maguire's inclusion in the final Group D game for the Three Lions, Southgate told ITV the following:

"I think he’s been the outstanding English defender in the league this season. He’s been such a bedrock for us, but it’s been a difficult call because Tyrone has been colossus for us, I have to say.

"This is a good opportunity for Harry to get 90 minutes and we were hoping he would be available for this game and he is."

Focus turns to whether England will grab all three points in London, with the nation currently behind tonight's opponents in Group D on goal difference.

Maguire isn't the only change Southgate has made to his team with Kyle Walker, Jack Grealish and Bukayo Saka also coming into the starting XI.

Only time will tell whether the 50-year-old has made the right choice to select Man United's captain for this fixture.

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