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Harry Maguire takes great confidence from his England selection ahead of the likes of Gary Cahill , but there is no chance of the defender resting on his laurels ahead of the World Cup.
Just three months before the finals get under way in Russia, the Three Lions continue their preparations with warm-up friendlies against Holland and Italy.
Leicester 's Maguire looks well placed to add to those three caps in the coming days and, remarkably, is the second most experienced out-and-out centre-back option selected in this 27-man squad.
England 23-man Nations League squadShow all 23 1 /23England 23-man Nations League squad England 23-man Nations League squad Jordan Pickford Club: Everton
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England 23-man Nations League squad Jack Butland Club: Stoke City
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England 23-man Nations League squad Alex McCarthy
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England 23-man Nations League squad Kyle Walker Club: Manchester City
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England 23-man Nations League squad Danny Rose Club: Tottenham Hotspur
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England 23-man Nations League squad Trent Alexander-Arnold Club: Liverpool
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England 23-man Nations League squad Kieran Trippier Club: Tottenham Hotspur
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England 23-man Nations League squad Luke Shaw Club: Manchester United
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England 23-man Nations League squad Joe Gomez Club: Liverpool
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England 23-man Nations League squad John Stones Club: Manchester City
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England 23-man Nations League squad Harry Maguire Club: Leicester City
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England 23-man Nations League squad James Tarkowski Club: Burnley
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England 23-man Nations League squad Dele Alli Club: Tottenham Hotspur
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England 23-man Nations League squad Eric Dier Club: Tottenham Hotspur
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England 23-man Nations League squad Jesse Lingard Club: Manchester United
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England 23-man Nations League squad Jordan Henderson Club: Liverpool
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England 23-man Nations League squad Fabian Delph Club: Manchester City
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England 23-man Nations League squad Ruben Loftus-Cheek Club: Chelsea
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England 23-man Nations League squad Adam Lallana Club: Liverpool
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England 23-man Nations League squad Raheem Sterling Club: Manchester City
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England 23-man Nations League squad Harry Kane Club: Tottenham
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England 23-man Nations League squad Danny Welbeck Club: Arsenal
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England 23-man Nations League squad Marcus Rashford Club: Manchester United
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Chelsea skipper Cahill has been overlooked for these friendlies a year on from wearing the England captain's armband, while the likes of Chris Smalling and Michael Keane are among the others omitted.
Asked if it was an extra compliment to be selected given who has been left out, Maguire said: "Yeah, definitely. They are good players, they have played a lot of games for England, there's a reason why they've done that.
"They've had good experience so, like you say, it gives me great confidence that Gareth wants me, trusts me and wants me to be playing with the other players he's selected as well. Fingers crossed that it carries on."
Maguire feels in the best form of his career and is thankful for the staff at Leicester for helping him step up another level.
The 25-year-old enjoys the pressure that comes with trying to impress Southgate and earning a place on the plane to Russia, but the defender still pinches himself.
"Every time I get the call it's a special moment - a moment I'm really proud of," Maguire said. "That Thursday when the squad gets announced, I'm sat by my phone waiting for the text and it's a special moment when it comes through.
Maguire has enjoyed an impressive debut season at the King Power (Getty Images) "I've been here for the past few camps, I'm getting used to the surroundings, the staff, the players and it's a special moment every time I get the call."
Maguire looks likely to earn a place at the World Cup given Southgate's desire to play a back three to bring the best out of his squad.
But in terms of certainties there are few aside from Harry Kane, who is missing from a second international break in a row through injury.
"It's massive loss, the form that he's been in," Maguire said. "He's been terrific in the past couple of seasons and every time he plays for England he seems to score, so he's a big player for us, no doubt.
World Cup 2018 official kitsShow all 51 1 /51World Cup 2018 official kits World Cup 2018 official kits World Cup 2018 kits The kits for the 2018 World Cup have started to be released ... but which one is your favourite?
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World Cup 2018 official kits Russia home They say: A clean design in red and white, inspired by the 1988 USSR jersey. Our verdict: Literally cannot muster up the enthusiasm to write anymore words about this snorefest.
Adidas
World Cup 2018 official kits Russia away They say: A smart strip in white and blue with subtle geometric pattern. Our verdict: Now that’s more like it! Big mistake not making this the home kit in our ever so humble opinion.
Adidas
World Cup 2018 official kits Saudi Arabia home and away Both home and away kits yet to be released. Will be supplied by Nike. Will probably feature a bit of green.
AFP/Getty Images
World Cup 2018 official kits Egypt home They say: A ‘sleek and modern’ kit with sublimated check pattern on the front and white Adidas strips down the sides. Our verdict: Decent. Would make a nice Manchester United kit.
Adidas
World Cup 2018 official kits Uruguay home They say: A clean design in ‘silver lake blue’, with an ‘engineered jacquard graphic’ in the middle of the jersey. Our verdict: What’s Spanish for ‘horrific v neck’?
Puma
World Cup 2018 official kits Portugal home They say: The red base from Portugal’s Euro 2016 triumph is retained, with Nike introducing ‘gold-metallic trim’ and a green collar. Our verdict: Yup, it’s a template. But that doesn’t stop it from looking smart.
Nike
World Cup 2018 official kits Portugal away They say: An all-white design inspired by the country’s naval history. Our verdict: Cleaner than Kim Woodburn’s kitchen. Lovely stuff.
Nike
World Cup 2018 official kits Spain home They say: Made by Adidas and inspired by the classic 1994 home strip. Our verdict: GET IT ON MY TORSO NOW.
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World Cup 2018 official kits Spain away They say: Another 1980s inspired kit. ‘Halo blue’ with bright orange trim. Our verdict: It’s … okay. Not a patch on that smashing home effort, mind.
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World Cup 2018 official kits Morocco home and away Both kits, to be produced by Adidas, are yet to be released.
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World Cup 2018 official kits Iran home and away Same again – to be produced by Adidas but yet to be released. Hurry up lads!
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World Cup 2018 official kits France home They say: A traditional look with blue jersey, white shorts and red socks. Our verdict: Another template. Another sexy kit. Damn you, Nike!
Nike
World Cup 2018 official kits France away They say: White shirt, blue sleeves and white socks – with a distinct graphic print. Our verdict: Why couldn’t Nike have given this to England?! As smooth as Zinedine Zidane’s shiny bald head.
Nike
World Cup 2018 official kits Australia home and away Move along, nothing to see here. Nike’s Aussie kits are yet to be released.
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World Cup 2018 official kits Peru home They say: The last ever Umbro kit for the country – Marathon Sports take over next year. Our verdict: You don’t get more traditional than this. A proper football kit for proper football men. You can shove your xG up your a***, etc.
Umbro
World Cup 2018 official kits Denmark home and away Yet to be released. But they’re to be manufactured by Hummel. So they’re bound to be good.
Action Plus via Getty Images
World Cup 2018 official kits Argentina home They say: A classic effort that draws inspiration from the 1993 Copa America strip, coincidentally the last time Argentina won a major title. Our verdict: A stylish strip befitting of little Leo Messi. Top drawer.
Adidas
World Cup 2018 official kits Argentina away They say: Black jerseys with neat white and blue trim, white shorts, black socks. Our verdict: Woof. Coming to a five-a-side court near you very soon.
Adidas
World Cup 2018 official kits Iceland home They say: An Errea produced kit which incorporates the traditional home colours of blue, red and white. Our verdict: Nice, if a little bit bargain basement.
Errea
World Cup 2018 official kits Iceland away They say: The reverse of the home shirt. Our verdict: Yes, we can confirm that this is the exact reverse of the home shirt.
Errea
World Cup 2018 official kits Croatia home They say: Nike offer a new interpretation of the team’s iconic checker design, with much larger checks than usual. Our verdict: Will look great on Luka Modric if he can keep himself out of prison long enough to wear it.
World Cup 2018 official kits Croatia away They say: The same template as the home shirt, but with a black and dark blue colour scheme. Our verdict: Very, very nice. A slightly gothic interpretation of the home shirt we all know and love. The football kit equivalent of Late Night Hollyoaks.
World Cup 2018 official kits Nigeria home They say: An eclectic combination of bright green, white and black in an especially bold design. Our verdict: Outstanding. Sensational. Sublime. The nicest kit at this year’s World Cup and destined to be worn at Boiler Room sessions from now until 2046.
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World Cup 2018 official kits Nigeria away They say: A clean design in dark green with subtle zigzag print. Our verdict: Oh dear, clearly Nike used all their budget on the home shirt. About as exciting as a Songs of Praise marathon.
Nike
World Cup 2018 official kits They say: A traditional effort with subtle zigzag pattern. Our verdict: Why change a winning formula? Bright, bold and very much Brazil.
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World Cup 2018 official kits Brazil away They say: Based on the same design as the home shirt. Royal blue with a unique star pattern covering the front. Our verdict: Yeah, fine, okay.
Nike
World Cup 2018 official kits Switzerland home and away Not released yet, soz.
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World Cup 2018 official kits Costa Rica home and away The bad news: the kits haven’t been released yet. The good news: they’re being made by New Balance, so will be peng.
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World Cup 2018 official kits Serbia away They say: White with red trim, with the nation’s flag running down the centre. Our verdict: Very difficult to criticise. But we'll have a go: the collar is a bit naff. Other than that, no complaints. Now be on your way, Serbia away.
Puma
World Cup 2018 official kits Germany home They say: White, black and inspired by the iconic 1990 strip. Our verdict: You’ve already seen this, and you already love it. If only it featured the colours of the German flag, though…
Adidas
World Cup 2018 official kits Germany away They say: The first green German jersey since Euro 2012, inspired by the 1994 away effort. Our verdict: It's Adidas. It's green. It's great. Let me wear you, Germany away.
Adidas
World Cup 2018 official kits Mexico home They say: Manufactured by Adidas, featuring the country’s traditional green colour with white applications. Our verdict: Yum.
Adidas
World Cup 2018 official kits Mexico away They say: Draws inspiration from Mexico’s kits of the 1950s. White with a green, white and red chest stripe. Our verdict: Looks a bit like something Roger Federer would wear to win the Australian Open. And we’re very much okay with that.
Adidas
World Cup 2018 official kits Sweden home They say: The traditional yellow and blue, with a subtle jacquard pattern on the front. Our verdict: Nothing to write home about, to be honest. Unless you’re writing the solitary word ‘BORING’, that is.
Adidas
World Cup 2018 official kits Sweden away They say: Adidas claim the away kit features ‘a sleek design in blue and yellow’. Our verdict: That subtle pattern is very nice. One of the better ‘plain Jane’ kits to be worn in Russia.
Adidas
World Cup 2018 official kits South Korea home They say: A classic red design with dark blue shorts and red socks. Our verdict: Boring. Plain. Routine. Run-of-the-mill. Humdrum, Dreary. Banal. Unoriginal. Spiritless. Insipid. Etc.
Nike
World Cup 2018 official kits South Korea away They say: Predominantly white, with a bold blue and red graphic print subtly inspired by a tiger pattern and the Taegeuk symbol. Our verdict: Much better, although it does look a bit like a crayon wielding toddler has been let loose on the new England shirt. Which nevertheless remains a huge improvement.
Nike
World Cup 2018 official kits Belgium home They say: A bold design that takes inspiration from the iconic 1984 top. Our verdict: Cracking. Atones for those atrocious Burrda efforts they’ve been palmed off with at the last few tournaments.
Adidas
World Cup 2018 official kits Belgium away They say: Yellow and black with a slight all-over graphic print. Our verdict: Yet another sublime Adidas away kit. *Wolfwhistles*
Adidas
World Cup 2018 official kits Panama home and away Yet to be released.
AFP/Getty Images
World Cup 2018 official kits Tunisia home They say: White with red crew-neck collar and cuffs, and a dotted gradient graphic. Our verdict: If this football shirt was a British sporting personality, it would be Steve Davis.
Uhlsport
World Cup 2018 official kits Tunisia away They say: The Tunisia 2018 World Cup away shirt is red with white details. Our verdict: If this football shirt was a British sporting personality, it would be Steve Davis.
Uhlsport
World Cup 2018 official kits England home They say: Manufactured by Nike, with a white base with blue for logos and a modern knit pattern on the front. Our verdict: About as inspiring as Iain Duncan Smith. This country really is going to the dogs.
Nike
World Cup 2018 official kits England away They say: Red all over with a subtle St George’s Cross motif across the front. Our verdict: It’s red. It has a bit of a pattern thing going on across the front. We’ve already forgotten about it. Next.
Nike
World Cup 2018 official kits Poland home and away To be made by Nike, but yet to be released.
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World Cup 2018 official kits Senegal home and away To be made by Puma, but yet to be released. IT'S TOO LATE FOR OUR POLL NOW, SENEGAL.
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World Cup 2018 official kits Colombia home They say: Produced by Adidas with a traditional colour scheme, inspired by the iconic home shirts worn in the 1970s and 80s. Our verdict: Yessssssss. If it’s good enough for James Rodriguez it’s good enough for us.
Adidas
World Cup 2018 official kits Colombia away They say: Predominantly royal blue, with bright orange trim and a jazzy pattern down one side of the shirt. Our verdict: Very solid. Colombia right up there with Germany for the best pair of shirts in the business.
Adidas
World Cup 2018 official kits Japan home They say: According to Adidas: ‘the shirt’s bespoke look and graphic takes inspiration from traditional samurai armour’. Our verdict: Really lovely kit. Deserves better than the inevitable group stage exit.
Adidas
World Cup 2018 official kits Japan away They say: An understated all-white kit with subtle grey trim. Our verdict: Adidas deliver a top-draw kit yet again. A lovely way to round off the gallery. Thanks for reading!
Adidas
"But we've got some good players coming in and replacing him, so we've got some strength in depth in that forward area, hopefully score some goals over the next couple of games and Harry can get a good quick recovery and we can look forward to having him at the World Cup."
All players would love to go to a World Cup and Maguire is no different, with the defender not overly concerned by the diplomatic situation in Russia right now.
"No, I wouldn't have any concerns (about my family going) at all," he added. "It's out of our control, our main objective is safety and security and it's up to those to decide what's happening to ensure that if we do go to the World Cup, which I'm sure we will do, that we will be safe and secure, and everyone will be raring to go."
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