Forgotten Manchester United Player Receives Shock England Call-Up as Harry Maguire Returns to Squad
Forgotten Manchester United Player Receives Shock England Call-Up as Harry Maguire Returns to Squad
In a surprising turn of events, Manchester United defender Axel Tuanzebe has received a shock call-up to the England national team for the upcoming UEFA Euro 2024 qualifiers. The news comes as Gareth Southgate, England’s manager, also confirmed the return of Harry Maguire to the squad, following a difficult period for the experienced center-back. The decisions have sparked widespread discussion among fans and pundits, given the unexpected nature of Tuanzebe’s inclusion and Maguire’s recent struggles at the club level.
Axel Tuanzebe, who has struggled to find consistent playing time at Manchester United in recent seasons, was widely regarded as a forgotten figure at Old Trafford. The 26-year-old center-back, once considered one of United’s brightest defensive prospects, has been plagued by injuries and loan spells that hindered his progress. Tuanzebe spent last season on loan at Stoke City, where he impressed with solid performances that caught the attention of Southgate and his coaching staff.
Tuanzebe’s call-up to the England squad is seen as a reward for his resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity. Despite his lack of regular playing time at Manchester United, Tuanzebe’s performances at Stoke City demonstrated his potential to contribute at the highest level. His inclusion in the England squad marks a significant milestone in his career and provides him with an opportunity to re-establish himself on the international stage.
“I’m absolutely thrilled and honored to receive this call-up,” Tuanzebe said in a statement released through Manchester United. “It’s been a challenging journey, but I’ve always believed in my ability to perform at the highest level. I’m grateful to Gareth Southgate and his team for giving me this opportunity, and I’m determined to make the most of it.”
Harry Maguire’s return to the England squad has also been a major talking point. The 31-year-old center-back, who captains Manchester United, has faced a turbulent time both on and off the pitch. Maguire lost his place in United’s starting XI under manager Erik ten Hag and has been the subject of intense media scrutiny due to his inconsistent performances and high-profile mistakes. Despite this, Southgate has remained loyal to the defender, who has been a key figure in England’s defense during recent major tournaments.
Maguire’s inclusion in the squad reflects Southgate’s belief in the player’s experience and leadership qualities. Southgate has consistently backed Maguire, citing his contributions to England’s success in reaching the finals of Euro 2020 and the semifinals of the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
“Harry has been a vital part of our team for several years now,” Southgate said in a press conference. “We understand that he’s had a tough time at the club level, but his experience and understanding of international football make him an important asset to the squad. We believe that Harry can regain his form and help us in our quest to qualify for Euro 2024.”
Gareth Southgate’s squad announcement has generated significant interest, with both Tuanzebe’s unexpected call-up and Maguire’s return grabbing headlines. The squad features a blend of established stars and emerging talents, as England looks to secure qualification for next summer’s tournament in Germany.
The inclusion of Tuanzebe and Maguire adds depth to England’s defensive options, with other notable names in the squad including John Stones (Manchester City), Ben White (Arsenal), and Fikayo Tomori (AC Milan). The midfield and attacking options remain strong, with Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Declan Rice (Arsenal), and Harry Kane (Bayern Munich) expected to play key roles.
England’s upcoming fixtures in the Euro 2024 qualifiers will see them face tough competition, including a crucial match against Italy. Southgate’s squad selection reflects his desire to balance experience with fresh energy as England aims to secure its place in the tournament.
The news of Tuanzebe’s call-up and Maguire’s return has been met with mixed reactions from fans and football pundits. While some supporters have welcomed Tuanzebe’s inclusion as a well-deserved recognition of his potential, others have questioned Maguire’s selection given his recent struggles at Manchester United.
Pundits have also weighed in on the decisions, with some praising Southgate for his loyalty to Maguire, while others have expressed concerns about the defender’s form. The call-up of Tuanzebe has been largely seen as a positive move, with many commentators highlighting his performances at Stoke City as evidence of his readiness for international football.
“Axel Tuanzebe’s call-up is a fantastic story of perseverance,” said former England defender Rio Ferdinand. “He’s had a tough few years, but his performances at Stoke have shown that he’s still got what it takes. As for Harry Maguire, I think Gareth is backing his experience and leadership, which could be crucial in the qualifiers.”
As England prepares for the crucial UEFA Euro 2024 qualifiers, the inclusion of Axel Tuanzebe and the return of Harry Maguire will be key talking points leading up to the matches. Tuanzebe’s unexpected call-up provides him with a chance to prove his worth on the international stage, while Maguire’s return signals Southgate’s continued faith in his leadership abilities.
England fans will be eager to see how the squad performs in the upcoming fixtures, with hopes high that the team can secure their place in next summer’s tournament. As always, the spotlight will be on Gareth Southgate’s selections and the performances of the players as they represent the Three Lions on the road to Euro 2024.
