One of the major talking points for the Three Lions of England ahead of their home nations clash with Scotland on Friday night is the fitness of star defender Harry Maguire and whether the Manchester United defender is fit enough to start against the Scottish team.The latest reports from Sky Sports News revealed that the centre back will start the game on the bench with manager Gareth Southgate favouring the partnership of Tyrone Mings and John Stones at the heart of the England defence.

Manchester City defender Stones and Aston Villa star Mings started the opening game for England at the ongoing Euro 2020 tournament against Croatia on Sunday and they impressed as the Three Lions beat the 2018 World Cup finalists to start their campaign in Group D on a winning note. Raheem Sterling scored in the second half to give England a 1-0 win over Croatia.

Manchester United skipper Maguire was a doubt for England ahead of the Euro 2020 tournament after picking up an injury in the final few weeks of club football last season. The injury ensured that he missed the Europa League final heartbreak suffered against Villarreal but fortunately for him, the injury has not stopped him from representing his country at the Euro tournament.

Various reports in the English media said that Maguire has improved fitness-wise to the delight of Southgate and his coaching staff upon returning to training last week but the improvements made won’t be enough for him to make the starting XI for England against Scotland. If he misses out against the Scottish team as expected, Maguire will most likely start the final Group D clash with the Czech Republic. Also, making an appearance of the bench is an option for the game against Steve Clarke’s Scotland side.

Maguire, Southgate and the England contingent know that a win over Scotland will take the team into the round of 16.