Harry Maguire has been a controversial footballer due to his struggles at Manchester United over the years. Following a massive move from Leicester City, the centre-back has had a rollercoaster of a ride at Old Trafford. There have been spells where he’s been poor, but he’s also impressed at times and is currently enjoying quite the redemption with some solid performances in Europe.
One thing is for certain, though, and that’s that Maguire has never let the England national team down. He’s also performed at a high level for the Three Lions and has worn the badge proudly. Representing his country clearly means a lot to Maguire and the Three Lions matter to him. In 2024, he was tasked by England themselves to name his favourite XI of players to ever represent the Three Lions.
His picks are sure to raise a few eyebrows and Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Paul Scholes all miss out. Over the last two decades, there have been plenty of debates about which of the three is the greatest midfielder in Premier League history, but in Maguire’s eyes, none of them are good enough to make his XI of the his favourite England players ever. Let’s take a look at his team.
EPL-Didn't Like Playing For England Related
10 Best Players Who Didn't Like Playing For England [Ranked]
Playing for the Three Lions hasn't always been a joyride.
Goalkeeper
Peter Shilton
Peter Shilton
What Maguire said: “I'm going to go way back and pick Peter Shilton. I've met him a couple of times because he was at Leicester games a lot when I was there. He was an excellent goalkeeper.”
With 125 appearances for England, no one has played more games for the Three Lions than Peter Shilton did during his career. The goalkeeper was ever-present during the 1980s for his country and very rarely let them down in between the sticks. There have been some excellent goalkeepers represent the country in the past, but there won’t be many who disagree with Maguire’s choice to pick Shilton here.
Centre-Back
Bobby Moore
Bobby Moore 1966 World Cup
Bobby Moore 1966 World Cup
What Maguire said: “My centre-back has to be Bobby Moore. I've always worn number six playing for England and I know he was a magnificent defender and wore number six all the time as well. I think he is the real standout.”
The first surprising decision from Maguire was his choice to leave full-backs out of his side and instead play with three centre-backs, but there won’t be many who have an issue with him including Bobby Moore. The West Ham United legend was pivotal to the Three Lions winning their only trophy so far in the 1966 World Cup and his name is etched in the history books as a result.
Centre-Back
John Terry
England-John-Terry
What Maguire said: “John Terry was a player I watched a lot of when I was young, that was the era I was properly into it. He always stood out for me. I took a lot of his game and tried to model it for myself.”
So far, so good from Maguire and he’s next included another world class centre-back in John Terry. The former Chelsea man is considered one of the greatest defenders in Premier League history and he was a superb leader for both his club and country during his time on the pitch. Whether it was his rock solid ability at the back or his knack for scoring, there have been few players like Terry.
Centre-Back
John Stones
England-John-Stones
What Maguire said: “I'll go with a back three and put John Stones in. Me and John have played a lot together now, around 50 games, and we feel that defensive record has been really good. He is an excellent player and a good friend of mine.”
Now, this was a shock. John Stones has been an excellent servant for club and country over the years and when he isn’t being hindered by injuries, there are few defenders on his level throughout the beautiful game. With that being said, there won’t be many who expected to see him picked here. Especially with former world-class centre-backs like Rio Ferdinand previously representing the Three Lions.
Right Midfield
David Beckham
David Beckham England
What Maguire said: “I definitely want Beckham, another big icon. There are so many moments when I think about my childhood watching England and watching football. He was the one you wanted to be. I remember his free-kick against Greece as a particular highlight.”
Any England fan growing up in the late 1990s and 2000s knows just how important David Beckham was for his country and his role as their leader in multiple major tournaments cannot be overstated. He had his ups and downs, but the former Manchester United man always gave it his all when he was wearing the Three Lions shirt.
Centre Midfield
Paul Gascoigne
Paul Gascoigne and England's away shirt at Euro 1996
What Maguire said: “I'd have loved to play with Gazza. I met him a few times and he was such an iconic player for me watching his moments growing up. He's one of those players who can light up a crowd.”
There are few players quite as iconic as Paul Gascoigne. The former Tottenham Hotspur man was a creative machine and a larger-than-life character who could do incredible things with the ball at his feet. He was unlike anyone else and while his off the field antics negatively impacted his career, no one could compete with Gascoigne when he was at his best.
Centre Midfield
Michael Carrick
Michael Carrick England
What Maguire said: “I worked with Michael Carrick at Manchester United and I know how knowledgeable he is and how clever he is. I don't think he got as many opportunities for England as he would have liked but he's the one who I'd really like to play with. He protected the defence really well and he took the ball really well.”
Another eyebrow-raiser from Maguire here. Michael Carrick is one of the most underrated players in Premier League history and anyone who knows ball will know just how good he was in the middle of the park. Still, with the likes of Gerrard, Lampard and Scholes all playing for England at one time or another, picking Carrick over any of them is quite a choice.
Centre Midfield
Jude Bellingham
Jude Bellingham in action for England
What Maguire said: “If I include Jude I know that in 10 years' time this is still going to be a hell of a team. Jude's got a great mentality, he's only 20 and already played in one major tournament. He's going to be a future star, without putting too much pressure on his shoulders.”
He might still be in the early stages of his England career, but if Jude Bellingham has shown fans anything so far, it’s that they can expect some truly magical things from him going forward. The Real Madrid star has already played the hero for his nation and was vital in them reaching the final of Euro 2024. The future is blindingly bright for Bellingham and this selection should only look better with each passing year.
England's Jude Bellingham. Related
Jude Bellingham Net Worth: Salary and Sponsorship Deals (2025)
The Real Madrid superstar is one of the highest-earning footballers in the world.
Left Midfield
Raheem Sterling
A young Raheem Sterling in action for England
What Maguire said: “Raheem was another big part of what we've done over the last eight years and turned up in major tournaments to produce big moments and big goals. One thing you know with Raheem is he will have an impact in the key moments and he's done that for us often.”
His club career might not be in the best of shapes right now, but Raheem Sterling was always an incredible player for England and had a knack for rising to the occasion when his nation needed it the most. His time at Liverpool and Manchester City saw him become one of the best wingers in the world and while that might not be the case anymore, it doesn’t take away from how good he was for his country.
Striker
Harry Kane
England striker Harry Kane in action
What Maguire said: “Leading the line will be Harry, who's been a huge part of my England career and a big reason why we've been so successful. A great captain for us, a great leader, a great person and a great player. He would be my captain in this team.”
As England’s all-time leading goalscorer, it would have been more surprising if Harry Kane wasn’t included in Maguire’s team here. The Bayern Munich man has been a force of nature in front of goal at both club and international level. He’s scored some vitally important goals for the Three Lions over the years and it’s hard to imagine they’d have gone as far in major tournaments over seven years if they didn’t have him leading the line.
Harry Kane celebrates for Bayern Munich Related
Why Tottenham Sold Harry Kane to Bayern Munich
Harry Kane left Tottenham in August 2023 to join Bayern Munich. It came after he didn't want to sign a new contract at the Premier League side.