Harry Maguire, the captain of Manchester United, defended his decision to play for England against Italy in Friday's Nations League match.

In their defeat to Italy at the San Siro Stadium, England started with Maguire in the lineup.

The Three Lions are eliminated from the top division of the Nations League as a result of the loss.

It was also their third loss in five matches, as Giacomo Raspadori found the back of the net in the 68th minute against Gareth Southgate’s side.

However, Maguire has suffered scrutiny for his performance for Man United lately.

The 29-year-old has fallen out of favour under Erik ten Hag at Manchester United as the former Ajax coach preferred to start Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez ahead of him.

Speaking to talkSPORT, Maguire defended his selection in the England squad by insisting that he is Man United's captain and that he had a good pre-season.

The former Leicester City star said: “I am all good and ready to play. I feel fit and fresh. On my form, I don’t know what has been said. I don’t really read about it.

“I came off the back of three positive games with England in the summer, and a good pre-season. I felt really good.

Obviously, the manager [Ten Hag] decided to leave me out for a game, and the team has been winning since.

“I’m working hard on the training pitch to make sure I’m ready for when my opportunity comes." That is all I can do to try and help the team.

I’m not concentrating on anybody else or what people are saying. I think if people can make a story about me, I’m Manchester United captain, it is going to make big news.

So, that is the reason they do it; they like the clicks and things like that, but I went into the Euros after an eight-week injury, and didn’t play one game, and got into the team of the tournament.

“In terms of rustiness and things like that, I’m sure that won’t happen.”