Harry Maguire has skipped a family holiday as he battles to be fit for England’s Euro 2024 campaign.
The Manchester United centre back, along with his club team-mate Luke Shaw and Newcastle attacker Anthony Gordon, were due to report early for international duty with the trio expected to arrive in Middlesbrough for the start of England’s pre-tournament camp on Tuesday.
The first wave of players, excluding Jude Bellingham, Kobbie Mainoo and the four Manchester City players, will meet up on Wednesday ahead of the first warm-up game versus Bosnia at St James’ Park on Monday night.
Maguire hasn’t played for over a month due to a muscular injury but was still selected in England’s 33-man provisional squad for the tournament last week given his importance to Gareth Southgate’s plans.
And Maguire has stepped up his recovery process to ensure he is available for the start of the tournament by choosing to miss a summer trip with his loved ones in order to undertake three sessions a day.
Harry Maguire has skipped a family holiday to try and gain full fitness ahead of Euro 2024
The Man United star is arriving at England's camp ahead of his team-mates to gain an edge
Gareth Southgate included Maguire in his 33-man provisional squad despite his recent injury
Maguire's mum, Zoe, and dad, Alan, are supportive of Maguire's football career. His mother spoke up about 'disgraceful' abuse towards him last year
He is accelerating his rehabilitation amid a growing hope that he will be in contention for England’s opener against Serbia in Gelsenkirchen on June 16.
Southgate has rated Shaw’s chances of making the final 23-man squad as a ‘long-shot’ given he hasn’t played since February due to a hamstring problem.
Nevertheless, Shaw has shown his willingness to give himself the best opportunity to prove fitness by reporting early for duty.
Gordon, who missed the end of the season and Newcastle’s post-season trip to Australia with an ankle injury, has also arrived in advance of his international team-mates.
James Maddison and Kieran Trippier, who also went to Australia last week, are also due to report on Wednesday.