Erik ten Hag has backed Harry Maguire to be ready to play for England at the World Cup, but understands why his Manchester United teammate Jadon Sancho has been left out of Gareth Southgate’s squad.
Southgate has kept faith in Maguire despite his problems with form and fitness for United. The 29-year-old defender made only his fifth start of the season in Thursday’s Carabao Cup win over Aston Villa at Old Trafford.
It has led to concerns that Maguire won’t be match sharp for the World Cup after he was blamed for two of the goals England conceded in a 3-3 draw with Germany at Wembley in September.