Gareth Southgate hints at Man Utd injury boost as two Reds named in England squad alongside Man City trio

Harry Maguire has been named in the England squad for the upcoming international break despite not playing in Manchester United's last three matches.

Gareth Southgate confirmed his 25-man squad for the upcoming international break - the last before this summer's European Championships - on Thursday afternoon. England have two friendlies to look forward to, with Brazil and Belgium both coming to Wembley.

The Three Lions boss has had a number of key injuries to deal with going into this break but it has allowed him to give others a rare chance to stake their claim ahead of the summer. At United alone, Maguire, Luke Shaw and Mason Mount are all currently sidelined while City have been without winger Jack Grealish since the end of February.

Maguire has been named in the squad regardless, which suggests the 31-year-old is close to returning, while Marcus Rashford has retained his place. Kyle Walker, John Stones and Phil Foden will be joining up from City.

"Both are back in training, so we have to see how that goes,” Southgate said of Maguire and Chelsea left-back Ben Chilwell. "We obviously have contingency plans in other areas in the pitch, some are in under-21s, the likes of Kobbie Mainoo, Harvey Elliott, Rico Lewis, Archie Gray at Leeds, it's important we have depth with the seniors first."

Elsewhere, one of the more notable omissions is Kalvin Phillips who is currently on loan at West Ham from City. The midfielder left the Etihad in January to try and find more regular football ahead of the summer but has struggled at the London Stadium. His absence has seen Chelsea's Connor Gallagher given a shot.

Maguire and Rashford might also be minded to get a first-hand look at Jarrad Branthwaite, who has been given his first senior call-up for the friendlies. The 21-year-old is a known transfer target of United's this summer and involvement in Euro 2024 will only see his price-tag rise.

West Ham's Jarrod Bowen has also been handed a chance to prove himself after an excellent campaign with the Hammers, while Ivan Toney is involved again, following his eight-month ban after admitting 232 breaches of the FA's betting rules.

England face Brazil on Saturday, March 23 before Belgium come to Wembley the following Tuesday.

Squad in full

Goalkeepers: Pickford, Johnstone, Ramsdale

Defenders: Walker, Gomez, Stones, Maguire, Konsa, Dunk, Branthwaite, Chilwell

Midfielders: Rice, Henderson, Bellingham, Gallagher, Maddison

Forwards: Palmer, Foden, Rashford, Bowen, Gordon, Saka, Kane, Watkins, Toney