Alan Shearer fears that it would be a big gamble if Southgate picks Maguire in the World Cup squad.
England’s manager will be naming his 26-player list for the Qatar World Cup this month. However, the main concern can be the form and fitness of the players.
The main worry for Southgate will surely be his defensive player Harry Maguire. From being a clinical player in the Euros to getting no game time for Manchester United, there has been a rapid decline in Harry’s form.
The English defender gave 2 horrendous performances against Brighton and Brentford at the start of the season.
Furthermore, his injury has resulted him in only one Premier League start since August. Furthermore, Maguire made some serious errors against Germany in the friendlies. Shearer cannot understand how Southgate can justify the defender’s selection in the squad.
Alan advised Southgate to pick Ben White instead of Harry Maguire. White has excelled in this season in a very unfamiliar position of right back.
Alan Shearer on Maguire and his preferred world cup squad
Shearer told The Athletic:
“I think the way his defence is shaping up – or rather the opposite – is where he’ll be having trouble sleeping.“
“It’s not just about questionable fitness – it’s about form, too. With Kyle Walker it’s fitness, with Harry Maguire it’s form and a lack of game time – one start in the league for Manchester United since August.“
“It’s form for Eric Dier, Luke Shaw, Trent Alexander-Arnold. Kieran Trippier must be one of the first defenders on the team sheet at the moment, while Ben White is full of belief at Arsenal, but there are some big calls to be made here.“
“There are occasions when you can turn a blind eye to form heading into a tournament; I know that more than most.“
“I hadn’t scored for England for a couple of years prior to Euro 96 and with really good players like Ian Wright, Les Ferdinand, Andy Cole, Robbie Fowler and Teddy Sheringham jostling for my place, there was a decent argument to leave me out.“
“The counter-argument was the 31 league goals I scored in 35 appearances for Blackburn Rovers.“
“Maguire has barely been playing, while his performance in England’s 3-3 draw with Germany in the Nations League draw back in September hardly inspired confidence.“
“Picking him in your starting XI would represent a huge gamble, but the problem is that Maguire is not an isolated example.“
“There is a wider feeling of rustiness and insecurity. I suspect Gareth will go with three at the back. I wouldn’t; I’d go with four.’Alan Shearer’s England World cup squad.”
Alan Shearer’s England World cup squad
Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford, Aaron Ramsdale, Nick Pope
Defenders: Kyle Walker, Luke Shaw, Ben White, Conor Coady, John Stones, Kieran Trippier, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Harry Maguire, Eric Dier
Midfielders: Bukayo Saka, Jack Grealish, James Maddison, Declan Rice, James Ward-Prowse, Phil Foden, Mason Mount, Jude Bellingham, Jordan Henderson
Forwards: Harry Kane, Callum Wilson, Marcus Rashford, Tammy Abraham, Raheem Sterling.
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