Maguire and Chalobah named in England squad

Matt Morley 6 years ago 1.2k
Maguire could be set to make his England debut in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. AFP

Leicester City defender Harry Maguire and Watford midfielder Nathaniel Chalobah could be set to make their international debuts after Gareth Southgate named them in his 28-man England squad to face Malta and Slovakia.

Maguire joined the 'Foxes' this summer in a £17m move from Hull after impressing last season, despite their relegation.

The 24-year-old could now make his England bow in the World Cup qualifiers set to take place on September 1 and September 4.

Former Middlesbrough boss Southgate admitted that he likes the look of the former Sheffield United man. 

"I thought his performances for Hull were very good," said Southgate.

"He is a defender who is very comfortable with the ball, he has already adjusted very well to a new club at Leicester, plays with composure and can defend the ball into the box, so this is a good chance to have a look at him."

Watford midfielder Chalobah could also feature. The 22-year-old joined the 'Hornets' from Chelsea earlier this summer and Southgate is said to be a huge admirer of the player, having worked with him when in charge of the England U21 side. 

Everton's Wayne Rooney was also asked to join up with the squad but he instead chose to retire from international football.

Speaking about Rooney, Southgate said: "I was thinking of including him in the squad. His form has been excellent. If you are the most capped outfield player and record goalscorer, I am not sure what else you have to do to be an England legend."

"He has served his country brilliantly and I congratulate him on a fantastic international career."

The full squad is as follows:

Dele Alli (Tottenham Hotspur), Ryan Bertrand (Southampton), Jack Butland (Stoke City), Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Nathaniel Chalobah (Watford), Aaron Cresswell (West Ham United), Jermain Defoe (AFC Bournemouth), Eric Dier (Tottenham Hotspur), Joe Hart (West Ham United, on loan from Manchester City), Tom Heaton (Burnley), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Phil Jones (Manchester United), Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur), Michael Keane (Everton), Jesse Lingard (Manchester United), Jake Livermore (West Bromwich Albion), Harry Maguire (Leicester City), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Arsenal), Jordan Pickford (Everton), Marcus Rashford (Manchester United), Chris Smalling (Manchester United), Raheem Sterling (Manchester City), John Stones (Manchester City), Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool), Kieran Trippier (Tottenham Hotspur), Jamie Vardy (Leicester City), Kyle Walker (Manchester City), Danny Welbeck (Arsenal)

Mentioned in the news story

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Harry Maguire
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