HARRY MAGUIRE feared his England career was over so would be happy playing just “one minute” at the World Cup.
The Manchester United defender, 33, has earned his first call-up under Thomas Tuchel and hopes to feature against Uruguay at Wembley on Friday.
Maguire’s most recent cap came against Ireland in September 2024.
Asked if he thought he had played his last game for England, the 64-cap ace said: “There was a point.
“Probably at the end of last season when I wasn’t picked for the summer camp.
“There are times when you feel you should be in the squad and it probably hurts a little bit more.
“But for the last three camps I wasn’t fit, wasn’t playing every game at Manchester United — if I wasn’t in this camp I don’t think I’d have been back.
“It’s amazing. It’s something I’ve missed.
“When you don’t get picked, when you’ve been a regular for six or seven years, it’s tough.
“I spoke to the manager and he told me I was in. I phoned my family. My mum was on holiday and she was crying.
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“I’m in a position now in my career where it is not so much about myself.
“I’m 33. If I play one minute at the World Cup or every game, I will do everything to make sure this country is successful.”
Maguire missed Euro 2024 injured and was then frozen out by Tuchel as England won all eight World Cup qualifiers without conceding a goal.
The defender said: “You don’t want to say you take it for granted but when it’s taken away from you all of a sudden, it hurts.”
Maguire’s Old Trafford contract is up in June but he is confident his United future will be sorted soon.
He added: “I think we’ll reach an agreement on what is best for the club and myself.
“What that agreement is, I’m sure you’ll find out over the next few weeks.
“But yes, I think it’ll get sorted sooner rather than later, whether I stay or go.
“I love this club. But I don’t want to be staying for sentimental reasons.
“I want to feel like I’ve got a big part to play.”
