Harry Maguire has been axed from the England squad in a dramatic U-turn – less that six hours after being picked by Gareth Southgate.
The Manchester United captain, 27, was found guilty of aggravated assault, resisting arrest and attempted bribery following a clash with police in Mykonos.
He was surprisingly included in the Three Lions squad on Tuesday afternoon for their upcoming Nations League matches against Iceland and Denmark on September 5 and 8. That was despite the team being announced just hours before the end of his trial in Greece.
After the verdict, just before 8pm, Southgate eventually revealed Maguire had been cut him from the squad.
The England boss said: “In light of this evening’s developments, I can confirm I have withdrawn Harry Maguire from the England squad for the matches against Iceland and Denmark.
“As I said earlier today, I reserved the right to review the situation. Having spoken to Manchester United and the player, I have made this decision in the best interests of all parties and with consideration of the impact on our preparations for next week.”
Eyebrows were raised when the Three Lions gaffer included the Red Devils skipper in his 24-man team.
Speaking in a press conference earlier on Maguire’s call-up, Southgate revealed: “It is clearly a decision that is not straightforward and a decision that in the end I could only take on the information I have.
“I have spoken with Harry, I have the insight to the story which is very different to what is being recorded. You can only make decisions on facts you are aware of. If facts or information changes I will have to review that decision, but I have a fantastic relationship with the boy, he has been a fantastic character for us – he has my support at this moment.”
“I’m not going to get into hypotheticals of what might happen, but I have got to reserve the right to review if further information becomes available. You always make decisions to the best of your ability given the information you have. People may agree or disagree with those decisions, but it is a position where every manger finds himself. Harry regrets the fact he has brought that sort of focus and attention to the team, he apologised for that but also has his own side of the story.”
Maguire was handed a 21-month suspended prison sentence as he avoided both jail and a fine. But his club Manchester United immediately launched a passionate defence of their centre-back, who signed from Leicester for £85million a year ago, and confirmed an appeal will be lodged against the verdict.
What we know so far:
- Harry Maguire has avoided jail after being found guilty of all charges
- He has slammed the verdict and branded himself the “victim” as he confirmed he would appeal
- It could throw his international and club career into jeopardy after he was today named in Gareth Southgate’s England squad
- It came as the court was told sister Daisy was injected in the arm by Albanian men, causing her to faint
- After being taken to a police station, Maguire was kicked in the leg by a cop who told him his career was “over”, it was said
- The court was told Maguire then tried to pay cops off boasting: “Don’t you know who I am?”
The Old Trafford club said: “Manchester United notes the verdict of the Greek court today.
“Harry Maguire pleaded not guilty to all of the misdemeanour charges made against him and he continues to strongly assert his innocence.
“It should be noted that the prosecution confirmed the charges and provided their evidence late on the day before the trial, giving the defence team minimal time to digest them and prepare.
“A request for the case to be adjourned was subsequently denied.
“On this basis, along with the substantial body of evidence refuting the charges, Harry Maguire’s legal team will now appeal the verdict, to allow a full and fair hearing at a later date.”
Maguire released his own brief statement where he declared he and his family are the real victims.
He said: “Following the hearing, I have instructed my legal team with immediate effect to inform the courts we will be appealing.
⚠️Click here for the latest news on Harry Maguire
“I remain strong + confident regarding our innocence in this matter – if anything myself, family + friends are the victims. #MUFC”.
His brother Joe and pal Chris Sharman, who stood trial alongside him, were given suspended sentences of 13 months after also being found guilty.
Maguire – who replaced Ashley Young as Manchester United captain in January – is due to return to competitive action for the Red Devils when their season starts on September 19 against Crystal Palace.
TheSun
