“How can he be the first name on the team sheet?” – Darren Bent slams Gareth Southgate for the selection of Manchester United star

Darren Bent has criticized the selection of Manchester United captain Harry Maguire by England manager Gareth Southgate for their upcoming international friendlies.

Maguire was announced in the 25-man England squad for next week’s friendlies against Switzerland and Cote d'Ivoire by manager Gareth Southgate.

Debates have ensued off the back of the team selection, with many taking issue with Maguire’s pick given his poor run of form this season.

Bent, who has scored four goals in 13 appearances for the Three Lions, was unhappy with the 29-year-old's selection. In a heated debate with a fellow England fan, Bent stood by his stance.

Bent responded to the caller (who was in favor of Maguire getting picked) on TalkSPORT by saying:

“Regardless of whether he’s solid or not, you pick players on form and he’s got no form whatsoever.”

The caller then claimed the United skipper has always been one of the first names on Southgate’s teamsheet to which Bent responded:

“How can he be the first name on the teamsheet when’s he’s got no form whatsoever?”

He continued"

“He’s been poor for his club side, are we just picking players because they’ve done well in the past? Harry Maguire this season has had no form. He’s responsible for a lot of the goals Manchester United have conceded this year.”

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Does Manchester United captain Harry Maguire deserve his England call-up?

Maguire is one of Southgate's favoured centre-backs

To say the Red Devils skipper has been out of form this season would be putting it lightly.

He has been maligned by not just fans, but several pundits have also scathed his performances, with Maguire looking devoid of confidence with each game played.

Despite his woeful form that has coincided with Manchester United's miserable season, he has been consistently backed by both former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and current interim Ralf Rangnick.

He has, however, been decent when called upon by Gareth Southgate for the England side. At Euro 2020, the Three Lions became the only side not to concede a goal in the first five games of a European Championship. They had an excellent run in the tournament, finishing as runner-ups.

At the 2018 World Cup, he became a fan favorite for his impressive form for the Three Lions.

This subsequently led to Maguire becoming the world's most expensive centre-back after Manchester United bought him for £78.3 million from Leicester City.

Many deem the defender to be more comfortable in the England set-up as he is often part of a back three, which means his apparent vulnerabilities don't lend themselves to constant problems.

The pressure of being captain of one of the world's biggest clubs has been rife this season. Rumors of a power struggle (as reported by Goal) with Cristiano Ronaldo have only made matters worse.