By Katie Catherall
Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has been ruled out of Euro 2024 after losing his battle with injury ahead of Gareth Southgate naming his final squad.
A veteran of two World Cups, Maguire was expected to make the cut as seven players from the preliminary group are sent home, which must happen no later than after England face Iceland on Friday night. But he has cruelly had to give up seat on the plane to Germany.
The Athletic was first to report the decision on Maguire, who hasn't played since April as a result of his ongoing calf issue. Doubts only continued when the 31-year-old remained sidelined for his club's FA Cup final win over Manchester City.
It was believed that he would recover in time to make Southgate's final squad, yet hadn't by the time England trained on Thursday morning in preparation for their last warm-up game.
Maguire, United teammate Luke Shaw and Brighton's Lewis Dunk all undertook individual programmes instead - with Shaw's status at left-back seemingly more concrete than Maguire's.
Even after inconsistent club form, the loss of Maguire would come as a huge blow for England, who are striving to earn silverware in Germany. His exit likely means an opportunity for Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi, who should become the top choice to play alongside John Stones in defence.
Southgate's final squad is set to be revealed very soon, with the UEFA deadline at midnight (CET) on Friday. England have already ruled out Tottenham Hotspur's James Maddison and Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones, with the pair leaving the training camp after news of their omission.
This article was originally published on 90min.com as Harry Maguire misses out on England's Euro 2024 squad.
