Danny Murphy makes ‘problem’ claim over Harry Maguire ahead of England’s World Cup opener

Harry Maguire may be in line to lose his England starting spot at the World Cup, according to Danny Murphy.

It has been a tricky season so far for the centre-back, who has struggled for game time at Manchester United this season. Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane have nailed down starting spots, with Maguire making just three Premier League starts under Erik ten Hag.

The centre-back’s lack of play time this season led to criticism of his call-up for the England squad, with Gareth Southgate keeping trust with Maguire despite the form of the likes of Fikayo Tomori, who missed out. The question now is whether Maguire will continue to start for England, with Ben White pushing for a starting spot alongside John Stones, who is very likely to start.

And that’s something Match of the Day pundit Murphy has spoken about in an interview with Betway, saying: “He’s tremendous on set-plays. He’s got experience of playing in two other tournaments, he’s a calm guy around the place. He’s been there and done it, which always helps with those lads who haven’t got as much experience, someone who you know you can go and talk to or confide in.

“The problem for Maguire is, and any player will tell you this at any level of football, when you’re not playing regular football, it’s very hard to find your rhythm, and you don’t get chance in a World Cup to find your rhythm really. Your bad day can mean the team goes out. It’ll be interesting to see if we start him, my gut feeling is that he will because he trusts him, but I think it’s a big ask. I think it’s a little bit unfair to throw him in there.

“When you think of the other players who he’s taken, Stones has been playing again more regularly, Ben White is playing the best football of his life. I don’t think it matters so much that Ben White has been playing right-back, because the same attributes still apply as a centre-half. You’re concentrated, you’re fit, you’re full of energy. He’s got an arrogance with the way he’s playing at the moment, he’s a good passer of the ball, he’s quick, he can leap. Dier has been playing every week.

“I just think it’s very difficult for players when you’ve not been playing regularly to come into a World Cup and play your best football. I’d like to see Ben White start alongside John Stones, personally.”