England center-back Harry Maguire has declared himself suitable for his team’s meeting with Scotland on Friday night.
The Manchester United man has not been seen since the 3-1 victory over Aston Villa almost six weeks ago due to an ankle injury, which many feared would see him completely excluded from the European Championships.
He did not miss the opening match against Croatia, but Maguire has now confirmed that he is ready to return to the squad and hopes to play against Scotland.
“I’m available to the chief for election,” he said (via The Athletic). “I have done a few sessions now and feel that my condition is there.
“Of course the injuries were a setback in club football. Internationally, I wanted to get into this with many matches under my belt in full condition, but I feel good. I do not feel there is any risk.”
Maguire thinks he’s ready / Robin Jones / Getty Images
Maguire also acknowledged that he always thought he could play an important role in the Euro this summer, praising Gareth Southgate for keeping his faith in him by choosing him in the squad.
“I’m pretty sure if you talked to Gareth, he must have been willing to make the choice. But I always told him that I felt I should always play a part in the camp, whether it was on the field or off the field.
Of course, I always felt inside myself that I would be in shape somewhere in the group stage. I did not know when. We are doing well, we are on the right track. Every day I gain more self-confidence and it gets stronger.
Another good session at the bank ????????? # Euro2020 pic.twitter.com/PWBxUB8kSf
– Harry Maguire (@ HarryMaguire93) June 15, 2021
“I knew the extent of the injury as soon as I was injured, I knew it would be quite serious because it did not come from shocks or contact, I knew it was a twist right away so there would be some kind of ligament damage in there.
“Obviously you fear the worst. I feared that I would miss the Europa League final and then obviously also the Euro. I managed to make this squad but I could not make the Europa League final, but I am here now and ready to go. ”
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