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​England boss Southgate plays straight bat over Maguire situation

Harry Maguire the Manchester United defender is currently on trial on the Greek island of Syros but has been included in England's Nations League squad.

Maguire was released from police custody on Saturday following his arrest on the island of Mykonos on Thursday after an alleged altercation with police officers.

"It's a decision that's not straightforward and that I can only take on the information I have, England boss GarethSouthgate said.

"I've spoken with Harry. I have the insight into the story, which is very different to what's been reported, and in these instances, I think you can only make decisions on the facts you're aware of."

He was reluctant to elaborate further, explaining: "No. Clearly there's an ongoing trial as we speak and given that's a legal matter I don't think that would be appropriate.

"We recognise that if you're a player with England, that has a profile, there are expectations and attention and focus that go with that, and clearly, if you're the captain of a club like Manchester United that's the same.

"He's fully aware of that and I think it's the same for all of our players.

"We know there's a responsibility in wider society. We have a fantastic connection with our fans. He's been a big part of that over the last couple of years."

"I'm not going to get hypothetical into what might happen, but I have got to reserve the right to review if further information becomes available.

"You always make decisions to the best of your ability given the information you have.

"People may agree or disagree with those decisions, but it is a position where every manger finds himself.

"Harry regrets the fact he has brought that sort of focus and attention to the team - he apologised for that - but also has his own side of the story."

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Ian Ferris
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