Speaking to the BBC, Garth Crooks said: "Harry Maguire and Kalvin Phillips had retained their positions in the England squad. Neither have started a single match for Manchester United and Manchester City, respectively, this season.
"I know the game has moved on, but if the England international set-up is not about the assembly of the most talented players in the country — and reward for playing the best football of your career — then what is it about?
I totally understand a manager wanting to try new players but Maguire and Phillips are not even playing regular first-team football for their clubs. So how can they be in the same mental or physical condition as those that are?"
Maguire has been included in England's latest squad for the upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers against Ukraine and Scotland later this month.
Head coach Gareth Southgate continues to have faith in the centre-back who's yet to play a minute of football for Man United this season.
