Alan Shearer and Rio Ferdinand have both praised Gareth Southgate for naming Harry Maguire in his first starting line-up for the Qatar World Cup.
Erik ten Hag has preferred both Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez at Manchester United this season, which has led to a lack of playing time for one of England's most experienced defenders. As a result of his decline in minutes, some suspected Maguire wouldn't get the nod at centre-back ahead of the likes of Ben White and Eric Dier, particularly in an attacking 4-3-3 line-up like Southgate has named.
Nevertheless, both Shearer and Ferdinand think that his experience will help England get off to a good start. Speaking on BBC MOTD Live ahead of the game, former England captain Shearer said: "I'm pleased he’s gone with a back four, it's the right thing to do, the big decision was who was going to play alongside John Stones in doing that, we know how loyal Gareth is to his players and he's been loyal to Harry Maguire. I like the tournament experience, I like the youth in there as well."
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Manchester United legend Ferdinand is of a similar opinion. He even goes as far as saying that Maguire has been 'faultless' in an England shirt and has therefore earned his place in the starting XI.
"That goes back to the experiences he's had in tournament football, he's been impeccable in an England shirt, faultless, he was in the team of the tournament in the last one," he added. "He isn't playing or in form with Man United but you can tell there's a special relationship that's been built through time and experiences with Gareth Southgate."
Although supporters are inevitably excited about the occasion, the match has sadly already been marred by controversy after the FA announced that England will no longer wear the OneLove armband at the tournament. Six other European nations will also no longer do so.
FIFA threatened to impose sanctions on those who were planning to make the anti-discrimination message clear in Qatar, but when it became evident that sporting sanctions would follow an initial fine - including a booking for Kane - England decided to prioritise competition and performance.
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