Carrick Backs Maguire for England Return as Rosenior Wrestles with Chelsea Keeper Call

Manchester United interim boss Michael Carrick has thrown his weight behind Harry Maguire’s bid for a World Cup recall, insisting the 33-year-old defender has “put himself back in the frame” for England after a commanding run of form since returning from a 53-day thigh lay-off.

Maguire, capped 64 times, last featured for his country in September’s 2-0 victory over the Republic of Ireland. With Thomas Tuchel set to name his squad next week for forthcoming friendlies against Uruguay and Japan, Carrick believes the centre-back’s recent performances warrant inclusion in the summer tournament. “Harry has been playing well, that is pretty obvious to say,” Carrick told reporters. “Considering you look back not too long ago and he was out for a considerable period of time injured… he has shown his experience, composure… he knows what it takes.”

England’s defensive resources will also be monitored by assistant coach Lee Carsley, who oversaw Maguire’s most recent international appearance. Carrick added that Mason Mount, back in training after injury, will face a late fitness test ahead of Sunday’s Premier League meeting with Aston Villa.

While Carrick campaigns for clarity at the back, Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior is confronting uncertainty between the posts. The 39-year-old has refused to anoint either Filip Jörgensen or Robert Sánchez as his definitive No 1, insisting competition for the gloves mirrors battles for outfield places. “If you’ve got two outstanding left-backs… is it uncertainty for them?” Rosenior asked. “I want competition in every area of the pitch.”

Jörgensen was handed the Champions League start against Paris Saint-Germain in midweek but a costly error contributed to a 5-2 defeat. Rosenior denied ever telling the Dane he had displaced Sánchez permanently and challenged both keepers to emulate Petr Cech and Thibaut Courtois, who “earned their time with performances.”

Chelsea, who host Newcastle on Saturday evening, received a boost with captain Reece James signing a new six-year deal, extending his stay until 2032. Pedro Neto will serve a one-match suspension after accepting an FA charge for failing to leave the field promptly following his red card against Arsenal, while UEFA continues to investigate his altercation with a ballboy in Paris.

Across London, Mikel Arteta defended Arsenal’s corner routines after criticism that the league-leaders systematically block opponents. The Gunners have scored a record-equalling 16 goals from corners this season, though ten of the 33 goals they have conceded in all competitions have also come from such situations. Arteta rejected suggestions of foul play, arguing “the noise” is merely a reflection of Arsenal’s efficiency and pointed to Leverkusen’s similar tactics in Wednesday’s Champions League clash.

Arsenal can set a new Premier League corner-goals record against Everton in the 5.30 pm kick-off, a victory that would intensify pressure on second-placed Manchester City ahead of their late kick-off at West Ham. Arteta, mindful of his former manager David Moyes’ prowess at set pieces, expects a stern examination from the Toffees.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot, meanwhile, conceded that Alexander Isak’s three-month absence with a fractured leg has “significantly damaged” the Reds’ campaign. The Swedish striker, signed for a club-record £125 million from Newcastle, had struck twice in five league games before injury. Liverpool have netted only three times during a four-match winless run and sit sixth, 19 points adrift of Arsenal. “Do you think it would have had an impact if we had one of the best goal scorers in this league… available throughout the whole season?” Slot remarked ahead of Sunday’s Anfield rematch with Spurs.

Newcastle’s own injury intrigue centres on Anthony Gordon, who was well enough only for a bench role against Barcelona on Tuesday after a bout of illness. Manager Eddie Howe defended his decision, stressing medical staff ruled the winger unfit to start, and praised Gordon’s competitive spirit ahead of the league trip to Chelsea. Skipper Bruno Guimaraes will rejoin the squad after rehabilitation work in Brazil.

As Premier League stakes heighten, Carrick’s endorsement of Maguire and Rosenior’s keeper conundrum illustrate how selection dilemmas off the pitch can prove as decisive as the action on it.