Crouch gives verdict on England duo Maguire and Pickford

Peter Crouch has backed Gareth Southgate’s decision to name Harry Maguire in his England squad for the upcoming World Cup in Qatar, while also expressing a belief Jordan Pickford should remain as the Three Lions’ No 1. The showpiece tournament is due to commence in just over a week. Whether they can go all the way and claim glory, however, remains to be seen…Maguire has endured a troublesome year, with the 29-year-old no longer a key player at Manchester United.He’s behind Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane in Erik ten Hag’s pecking order, while Victor Lindelof also seems to have earned his manager’s trust.Despite that, however, Maguire has been named in England’s squad for the upcoming World Cup in Qatar.Though he’s suffered at club level, the former Leicester and Hull star hasn’t let the Three Lions down since making his international debut back in 2017.And Crouch, speaking to Express Sport, believes Maguire has earned the right to go the Middle East – despite his issues over the past year.’Now, I think I think he’s had a difficult season,’ said the former Liverpool, Tottenham, Portsmouth, Stoke, Aston Villa and Norwich striker.Want the latest football news? Join our brand new Facebook group by clicking here England news: Peter Crouch has opened up on Jordan Pickford and Harry Maguire (Image: GETTY) England news: Peter Crouch thinks Harry Maguire and Jordan Pickford have never let Three Lions down (Image: GETTY) England news: Peter Crouch has no regrets over his Three Lions career (Image: GETTY)’It’s another case of you know, putting someone in you know, fresh and untried. Is it worth it?’I don’t think he’s let anyone down at a major tournament and he’s got that experience which counts for a lot.’So I think in the end, Southgate will stick with him.’Crouch was part of an England squad that never delivered at a major tournament, with the Three Lions instead underwhelming.But as the competition in Qatar creeps closer, he’s insisted he’s got no regrets.”You know, I always look back on my career really fondly. I feel like really proud and privileged to have ever played for England,” he said.”Of course like we had a team that was good enough to win a trophy and we didn’t manage to do it.”But I still feel very proud to have represented our country at two World Cups and although they didn’t go as well as planned, for me personally is still a great achievement.”I didn’t know whether I’d have a career in football let alone play at a World Cup so when I look back on it, I look back on it with a big, big smile.”Crouch was speaking after teaming up with eBay to hold a football memorabilia raffle, where fans can get their hands on some iconic items.All proceeds will go to charity, with Together for Short Lives and Rays of Sunshine both supporting seriously ill children across the UK.