Harry Maguire has struggled to break into the Manchester United line-up despite being called up to the England squad in recent weeks.
The centre-back is expected to receive another call-up in a couple of weeks to take part in the World Cup, regardless of whether he plays for the club.
Harry Redknapp has given his opinion on whether he should be with the English team for the upcoming competition which takes place next month.
The former manager penned his opinion in an article in The Sun with the surprising insight that he should be in the squad despite his recent form.
“Well, it may not be the popular opinion at the moment, but here’s one thing… if I were to choose the side to face Iran on November 21, Harry would be on it, for sure,” he said.
“You don’t need me to tell you that he’s been having a hard time lately. Maguire is such a straight guy, he’d tell you that himself.”
“Yeah, he’s done some ricks, though being in as much pain as he is doesn’t make it any easier.”
“But Harry is a really decent boy and the only thing he won’t do is walk away from it all. He’s also a strong enough character, and a good enough player, to get through it.”
Maguire started the first two Premier League games of the season before the defense fell with the return of Raphael Varane.
Since then, it has been used as a rotation option, featuring more in European competitions.
However, it looks like he could return to action with Raphael Varane injured unless Erik ten Hag opts for Victor Lindelof.
Redknapp went on to give the opinion that the Man United captain should play a role in the World Cup due to how big the competition is.
“In the big games, and they don’t come bigger than the World Cup, you need a big presence, and he certainly is that. On the pitch and in the locker room.”
“Fair enough, he wasn’t great against Germany, but he never let England down in Russia and given the chance I’m sure he won’t in Qatar either.”
“Harry is not the best engine, let’s say. Put it this way, if he was walking around the paddock, you wouldn’t be rushing to spend millions on him!
While it’s certainly been a terrible couple of months for Maguire, he’s generally in top form for his country, which could explain why Gareth Southgate trusts him.
He also has a lot of work to do before he can find his place in the starting eleven for Premier League matches.
Maguire will undoubtedly want to play every game as club captain and will work hard behind the scenes to get back to his best.
United fans are hoping he can succeed for England with the prospect of him returning to club duty in top form.
