Explained: Why Man Utd star Harry Maguire departed England camp ahead of Belgium friendly with three Under-21 players promoted

The centre-back came off in the second half of England's 1-0 loss to Brazil on Saturday. Now, the Three Lions have confirmed he has been ruled out of their match against Belgium and the 31-year-old has left the Three Lions squad entirely. Kyle Walker and goalkeeper Sam Johnstone has been forced to withdraw due to injury too, meaning Southgate has turned to several Under-21 players to fill the gaps in his senior squad.

A statement from the Three Lions read: "James Trafford and Rico Lewis have moved across from the U21s to join the England senior men’s squad. The pair report to Tottenham Hotspur’s training ground following the withdrawal of Harry Maguire, Kyle Walker and Sam Johnstone through injury.

"It is Burnley goalkeeper Trafford’s first senior call up having previously represented his nation from MU17 through to MU21 level, including being a part of last summer’s U21 European Championship-winning squad. Manchester City’s Lewis has one senior cap having made his debut for Gareth Southgate’s side in North Macedonia in November 2023. Maguire, Walker and Johnstone have returned to their respective clubs for assessment having sustained injuries in recent days."

While Maguire may be fit for England's Euro 2024 bid, it remains to be seen how many games the former Leicester City star will miss for United in the final stretch of the season. Erik ten Hag is currently without defenders Luke Shaw, Lisandro Martinez, Tyrell Malacia, and Jonny Evans, so the Red Devils cannot really afford to lose Maguire, too.

Maguire was making his first start for club or country since February 24 but lasted just 67 minutes against Brazil. The 6ft 4in centre-back, who played a small part of United's 4-3 FA Cup win over Liverpool earlier this month, has been out for multiple games this season with a groin issue.

United will hope Maguire will not be on the sidelines for long as they try to secure an unlikely top four spot, with Ten Hag's men currently nine points behind Aston Villa - although they do have a game in hand. The Red Devils are next in action away to Brentford next Saturday.