On Saturday night, Harry Maguire is anticipated to lead England in their away UEFA Nations League match against the Republic of Ireland.
This weekend, the Three Lions play their debut game as temporary manager Lee Carsley's team takes on their fierce rivals at Dublin's Aviva Stadium.
A mainstay of the prosperous Gareth Southgate era, Maguire was injured and would not be able to compete in Euro 2024, his first international competition since making his England debut in 2017.
Maguire is expected to start against Ireland, according to The Mirror, and Carsley was not holding back during his pre-game press conference when he praised the 31-year-old.
"He's a leader," Carsley described Maguire as. When it comes to his preparation both on and off the pitch, he sets the standard high. I'm expecting to see that since it's evident that he has quality when we work together.
"I believe that he has become stronger over the course of the games that I have watched him play. He definitely missed Manchester United's most recent match, but he arrived to camp in excellent physical shape.
"And yes, I thought that he was mentally strong both on and off the pitch. In terms of how he has interacted with the squad, we've already gotten what I wanted."
Maguire started both of United's Premier League opening games, a 2-1 loss at Brighton & Hove Albion and a 1-0 victory over Fulham. However, he was substituted out of both games in the later half to monitor his fitness.
Then, late in Sunday's 3-0 home loss to rivals Liverpool, he came off the bench.
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