Wednesday 21 March 2018 11:08, UK
Leicester centre-half Harry Maguire believes he is in the form of his life and has set his sights on a starting place for England at this summer's World Cup.
The 25-year-old has won three caps since making his debut against Lithuania in October and could add to that total during England's upcoming friendlies against the Netherlands and Italy.
Gareth Southgate has placed his faith in youth over experience when selecting this squad, with John Stones (23), Joe Gomez (20), Eric Dier (24) and uncapped duo Alfie Mawson (24) and James Tarkowski (25) the other options in what is likely to be a back three.
There were no call-ups for Manchester United's Chris Smalling, Chelsea's Gary Cahill or Everton's Michael Keane, and Maguire is determined to repay Southgate's faith in him.
"You see there are good players who did not make the squad, especially in our position at the moment," Maguire said.
"There are a number of players who he could select from. You have seen that from him bringing James Tarkowski and Alfie Mawson into the squad.
"It is a position that is up for grabs."
When asked if he is proud to be selected ahead of players like Smalling, Cahill and Keane, Maguire replied: "Yeah definitely, they are good players. They have played a lot of games for England and there is a reason why they have done that.
"It does give me confidence. It gives me great belief that Gareth wants me here and he trusts me. Fingers crossed it carries on."
Maguire has played in all 30 of Leicester's Premier League games this season, scoring two goals and adding four assists, while helping the Foxes to keep seven clean sheets.
When asked if he is in the form of his life, Maguire said: "Yes I would say so. Obviously last year I broke into the Hull side and played in the Premier League.
"I felt like I held my own last year but this year I really feel like I have stepped on. Learning off great players around has improved my game all around."
