Maguire reveals Southgate's World Cup plans

Maguire was part of England's three-man defence which kept a clean sheet against world champions Germany on Friday night and is in contention to face Brazil at Wembley on Tuesday as well, after Phil Jones hobbled off in the first-half of Friday's clash.

Southgate himself played in a back three for Aston Villa and with England at Euro 96, and Maguire believes that personal experience from the manager has been extremely useful.

"He’s working with the back three all the time. He probably looks at that more than any other position because that’s where he played,' said the 24-year-old centre back. "He was a top centre-half himself so we're always going to get great tips.

"Playing three at the back enables the wide central defenders to step up and play because you’ve always got security behind you. The manager wants that. He wants us to join in and be brave on the ball, take it and try to control the game.

"I felt we did that at times against Germany and things will get better with practice. Gareth Southgate was good on the ball in his day and he wants everyone to be a passing option. That's part of being brave besides blocking and heading away clearances."

The system could suit the Leicester defender, who is regarded as a good ball-playing centre-back and has impressed since his £14m move from Hull in the summer.

"I’ve had a whirlwind of a year. It's crazy," he reflects. "From the worst feeling – getting relegated from the Premier League, horrible - to signing for a great club like Leicester and then getting my first England call-up which topped everything off and probably the proudest moment of my life.

"I’m here, and every time I’m here I’ll always give my best, 100 per cent and always work as hard as I can for the team.

"Getting picked for England gives you a lot of confidence. It shows the manager gives you great trust," he said.