Carrick pushes in-form Man Utd defender for surprise World Cup return
Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick has publicly backed Harry Maguire to earn a place in the England national team for the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
The prestigious global tournament is scheduled to take place later this summer.
Maguire has recently enjoyed a strong run of form, prompting many observers to believe he deserves another call-up to the national side.
Carrick was asked by reporters whether the English defender is currently playing some of the best football of his career.
He said (via ManUtd.com): “Harry’s been playing well, I think it’s pretty obvious to say that. Considering you look back not too long ago he was out for a considerable period of time as well injured, and he came straight back in when we arrived.
“Whatever’s going to happen with England is going to happen with England, but he’s definitely put himself back in the frame.
“If he was ever out of it, he’s definitely in the frame, and hopefully, from my point of view, he gets picked and he goes.”
Maguire deserves a World Cup spot
The Three Lions are scheduled to play international friendlies against Uruguay and Japan at Wembley Stadium in two weeks.
These fixtures represent the final opportunity for manager Thomas Tuchel to assess his options before naming the squad for the World Cup.
Maguire scored an emphatic match-winning goal against Liverpool to guide United to their first victory at Anfield in nine years.
He soon sustained a thigh injury that kept him out for weeks.
With Matthijs de Ligt sidelined, Carrick turned to Maguire to lead the defensive line.
The 33-year-old has embraced that responsibility and has started every match under the former United midfielder.
He is an aerially dominant centre-back and he rarely shies away from physical battles with opposition forwards.
His defensive reliability, combined with valuable leadership and experience, could make him a valuable asset for England on the international stage.
Tuchel must include Maguire in the upcoming friendlies and seriously consider him for a place in the World Cup squad.
Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .