Leaked England line-up vs Ireland as Lee Carlsey makes Harry Maguire and Jack Grealish decision

Harry Maguire has received strong backing from England interim manager Lee Carsley after missing Euro 2024 through injury. Even though Maguire was not in the starting line-up for Manchester United's recent clash with Liverpool, he will reportedly be in the starting XI for the Three Lions' Nations League clash vs the Republic of Ireland.

Carsley praised the United defender, saying: "He's a leader. He leads by example in terms of his preparation on and off the pitch. Obviously his quality is there to see as well when we do our sessions, so that's what I'm expecting to see.

"In the games that I've seen him play, I think he's got stronger as the games have gone on. Also, obviously, he didn't play in Manchester United's last game, but he's come into camp physically very, very good.

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"And mentally, yeah, he's been good on and off the pitch I felt. What I want we've already had in terms of the way he's been around the squad, what I expected."

The Mirror report that Maguire will join forces with Marc Guehi at the centre of defence in light of John Stones' questionable fitness. Meanwhile, following the failed experiment of Gareth Southgate playing Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield at Euro 2024, Trent is anticipated to return to his regular right-back role.

Anthony Gordon and Jack Grealish are also poised to make appearances in Dublin, with both players looking to overcome their disappointing experiences during the Euros, Gordon having felt held back and Grealish having missed the tournament entirely.

Speaking to ITV, Gordon expressed his disappointment at his lack of minutes during the tournament: "I was disappointed, because I believe in myself so much. I feel unstoppable, especially at that point of the season I had just had.".

"I felt like no-one could defend me, no-one could deal with me over 90 minutes. I felt like I was ready to and really impress people and help the country win the trophy. To envision what I envisioned... to what it was, it was disappointing."

Maguire will reportedly be joined in the starting XI by United teammate Kobbie Mainoo. The midfielder established his place in the line-up during the summer's tournament.

Reported England starting XI vs Ireland: Pickford; Alexander-Arnold, Guehi, Maguire, Colwill; Rice, Mainoo, Grealish; Saka, Gordon; Kane