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Demarai Gray backs Jamie Vardy and Harry Maguire to shine at World Cup

Demarai Gray

Demarai Gray believes his Leicester team-mates Jamie Vardy and Harry Maguire will deliver strong performances at the World Cup.

Vardy and Maguire are both pushing for starts as England prepare to face Tunisia in their Group G opener at the Volgograd Arena on Monday.

Harry Maguire and Jamie Vardy are both included in England's 23-man World Cup squad.
Image: Harry Maguire and Jamie Vardy are both included in England's 23-man World Cup squad.

Gray, who is a regular starter in the U21s set-up - but was not part of England's triumphant Toulon squad - believes the pair will impress on the global stage.

He told Sky Sports: "Obviously you've seen how Harry plays, he's good on the ball and he's confident. He's a solid defender.

"Jamie just loves to score goals and that's what he's done for us this season. He's done a lot for us in a lot of games this season.

"So collectively as an England squad I think they've got a good balance and I think we could have a very good tournament."

Gray made 44 appearances for Leicester in the 2017/18 season and was handed the England U21 captaincy in their 2-1 win over Romania at Molineux in March.

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Demarai Gray captained England U21s to a 2-1 friendly victory over Romania on Saturday
Image: Demarai Gray captained England U21s to a 2-1 friendly victory over Romania back in March

The 21-year-old hopes that his strides domestically, and for the U21s, will be enough for him to get a call-up to England's senior team sooner rather than later.

He added: "I can't put a timescale on it but me personally, as soon as possible.

"I've already said I believe in my ability and once I stablise myself in the team, playing week in week out and adding to my game and contributing in games, there's no reason why I can't get a call-up.

"Knowing the manager and having worked with him before, I know what he's like and i'm pretty confident as long as I keep my feet on the ground and working hard I'll get my opportunity."

Demarai Gray wears the adidas X18 Energy Mode. Unleash Speed. Get yours at https://www.adidas.co.uk/football_x

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