England receive huge injury boosts ahead of Euro 2020 opener vs Croatia

June 10, 2021 By Ali M.

Topics: Harry Maguire, Jordan Henderson, England, Croatia, UEFA Euro

Two key players have stepped up their rehabilitation ahead of the Three Lions' opening game in the European Championship.

England are gearing up for the Euro 2020 tournament and yet another campaign to "bring it home", with the Three Lions kicking off the European Championship with what should be an interesting showdown against Croatia.

One issue has unfortunately been a monkey wrench in Southgate's plans for the tournament and that is injuries. A few key players picked up knocks in the build-up to the competition, with some making the squad while others were forced to return/stay home – Mason Greenwood and Trent Alexander-Arnold are the biggest examples.

Fortunately, the Three Lions have received a huge boost ahead of their opening fixture as one influential player was pictured back in training just a day before Euro 2020 commences.

That man is none other than Harry Maguire, the Man Utd center-back who has not played a single minute of football since May 8. The 28-year-old missed the Red Devils' final games of the season, including the UEFA Europa League final which they lost to Villarreal, thus stressing his importance for both club and country.

The world's most expensive defender joined up with his Three Lions team-mates for a session at the St George's Park on Thursday, which is a huge relief for Southgate. However, Maguire's availability for Sunday's Croatia tie remains unlikely.

All 26 members of our squad are involved in today's session.

Good to see you out there, @HarryMaguire93! pic.twitter.com/lrbtq2ToBf
— England (@England) June 10, 2021

Ben White was recently called up to the national team, taking the place of the injured Alexander-Arnold, and will likely team-up with John Stones either in a three or a four in Maguire's absence. England appear destined to make it out of their group, which means the head coach could be targeting a knockout stage return for the Man Utd center-back.

Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson was also seen sprinting during the training session as the experienced midfielder continues to build his fitness. The Anfield favorite marked his return to action in the 1-0 win over Romania, getting a run of 45 minutes on the pitch.