"Time to make history" - Harry Maguire sends message to England squad ahead of Euro 2024 final
Manchester United centre-back Harry Maguire has sent a warm message to England teammates ahead of their Euro 2024 final with Spain in Berlin on Sunday (July 14). The 31-year-old is not part of Gareth Southgate's side due to injury.
Maguire has been a key part of Southgate's first three major tournaments at the Three Lions' helm. But he didn't recover enough to make the squad for the 2024 European Championship.
Despite the absence of Maguire - a defensive mainstay - Southgate's side have lived up to pre-tournament expectations to reach the final without quite hitting fifth gear. Ahead of the big game with La Roja, the United man has wished his teammates well, urging them to 'make history' while enjoying the occasion, tweeting:
"Time to make history. Go and win it lads. Good luck to everyone at the FA, Gareth, my teammates and all the fans. Nights like these don’t come around often, enjoy it."
The Three Lions are one of only three unbeaten teams at Euro 2024, with La Roja and Slovenia being the other.
Southgate's side are looking to end 58 years of 'hurt' by landing their first major title since their 1966 FIFA World Cup triumph on home soil, while La Roja are looking to win a record fourth Euro title.
What Harry Maguire said on not making England's Euro 2024 squad?
Harry Maguire is understandably disappointed not to have recovered enough from his calf injury to make England's final 26-man Euro 2024 squad, having played the last three major tournaments.
In a tweet, the Englishman expressed his 'devastation' to not be turning up for his nation in Germany but wished his best wishes as a fan as they chase the Euro 2024 title. He tweeted:
"I am devastated not to have been selected to play for England at the Euros this summer. Despite my best efforts, I have not been able to overcome an injury to my calf. Maybe I pushed myself too hard, to try and make it. Simply, I am absolutely gutted.
"For me, representing England is the highest honour. It means everything to me. If I can’t help the team as a player, I will support them as a fan – along with the rest of the country. Go and win it boys. Next, I will return to the supervision of the Manchester United medical team in order to prepare for next season."
It's pertinent to note that Harry Maguire's club teammate Luke Shaw made Southgate's squad despite being on the sidelines for a few months, but the former wasn't as lucky.