Manchester City defender John Stones has revealed how close a bond he has with Harry Maguire, as he defended the Manchester United captain's inclusion in England's World Cup squad.
After Erik ten Hag confirmed during pre-season that Maguire would remain as United's captain for the upcoming campaign, a fair few eyebrows were raised.
The arrival of Lisandro Martinez at Old Trafford has seen the former Leicester City man fall down the defensive pecking order, as Raphael Varane's growing partnership with the Argentine continued to impress on the pitch. An injury to the Frenchman appeared to open the door for Maguire, but Ten Hag looks to prefer Victor Lindelof to the 29-year-old, whenever the Swedish defender is available.
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Southgate's inclusion of Maguire in his World Cup squad has caused plenty of scrutiny over whether the United defender deserved to go to Qatar having played so few minutes for his club. On the five occasions that the former Leicester City man has played a full 90 minutes for the Reds this season, his side have conceded nine goals.
But Stones has defended his compatriot, revealing how strong a connection the duo have on the pitch together.
The City defender said: "When I look at Harry, I see a partner. Through all our experiences he's had my back and I've had his. We've had so many games together, we've made a bond and a partnership together. We know what the other person is going to do and how we work best together. It clicks.
"Whatever team or whatever system Gareth decides, if it's me and Harry we will use those bonds again. They are too strong to be broken by game time, form, whatever it is. That kind of goes out the window when these moments hit."
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