'I feel good and I'm DESPERATE to start': Harry Maguire insists he's FIT for crunch Euro 2020 clash with Scotland after surprising England coaching and medical staff with his fitness after returning from ankle injury
* Harry Maguire has declared himself fit to start against Scotland at Wembley
* Maguire has not played since sustaining ankle ligament damage on May 9
* Defender has taken part in six training sessions since joining up with England
Harry Maguire has given England a major boost ahead of Friday's European Championship clash with Scotland by declaring himself fit to start at Wembley.
The Manchester United defender has not played since sustaining ankle ligament damage in a Premier League win at Aston Villa on May 9, and has only taken part in six training sessions since joining up with England a fortnight ago, but insists he is ready to return with England seeking to book their place in the last 16 at the earliest opportunity.
'I feel good and I'm desperate to start,' Maguire said. 'In terms of the ankle, I feel like it's stable and I'm ready to go. I feel fit and fresh. I've done a few sessions now and feel like my fitness is there so, like I say, I'm available for the game.'
Maguire has surprised England's coaching and medical staff with his fitness and conditioning since he trained with his team-mates for the first time at St George's Park last Thursday, but it would still be a surprise if Gareth Southgate opted to start him in such a crucial game.
England defender Harry Maguire has declared himself fit to start against Scotland at Wembley. Maguire has taken part in six training sessions since joining up with England a fortnight ago. England boss Gareth Southgate (right) has kept a close eye on Maguire' recovery from injury
Tyrone Mings formed an impressive central defensive partnership with John Stones in Sunday's 1-0 win over Croatia, with Kieran Trippier's contribution crucial to helping the Aston Villa defender adjust to his first experience of tournament football.
Maguire's availability remains a major fillip for Southgate ahead of next week's final group game against the Czech Republic and the remainder of the competition however, with the 28-year-old expressing gratitude for the faith the manager has shown in him.
'I've had contact with Gareth ever since the injury, he's always wanted to know how I'm getting on and how the rehab is going,' Maguire said.
'He has shown great faith and trust in me since I made my debut, in every camp.'
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