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England Drops Harry Maguire from Nations League Squad After Greek Court Verdict

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Nyakundi Report

Newsroom 2 min read

This archive report was first published on 26 August 2020.

On August 16, 2020, Manchester United's Harry Maguire was involved in a high-profile incident on the Greek island of Mykonos.

Fast forward to August 25, 2020, a Greek court found Maguire guilty of repeated bodily harm, attempted bribery, violence against public employees, and insult.

The 27-year-old Manchester United captain was handed a suspended prison sentence of 21 months and 10 days by the Greek court.

England manager Gareth Southgate initially named Maguire in the latest squad on Tuesday, while his trial was ongoing.

However, after the Greek court's verdict, Southgate withdrew Maguire from the England squad for the matches against Iceland and Denmark, citing the best interests of all parties and consideration of the impact on their preparations for next week.

Maguire had pleaded not guilty and was released after spending two nights in police custody following his arrest.

He was represented by his lawyers in court at a hearing on Tuesday and has since instructed his legal team to appeal the verdict.

Southgate said Maguire regrets the fact he brought unwanted focus and attention to the team, but also has his own side of the story.

England have decided against calling up a replacement for Maguire as they prepare to face Iceland on September 5 in Reykjavik and Denmark on September 8 in Copenhagen.

Other newcomers to the squad include Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood, Manchester City's Phil Foden, and Leeds United's Kalvin Phillips.

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