Harry Maguire's Leicester move was fuelled by his desire to play for England: 'This club can help me progress into the World Cup squad'

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Harry Maguire said England aspirations were behind his decision to move to Leicester City this summer.

The defender attracted interest from a number of clubs after a fine personal season at Hull but chose Craig Shakespeare’s side ahead of others in Europe due to the increased chances of playing frequently ahead of Russia 2018.

Gareth Southgate is understood to want his players to be first team regulars for their clubs. Leicester committed to a deal worth £17million for the 24-year-old, who has enjoyed a promising pre-season and scored his first goal in Tuesday night’s 2-1 defeat at Burton Albion as a second half substitute.

Harry Maguire swapped Hull City for Leicester City for £17million earlier this summer

‘Every player wants to play for their country, and that is myself included,’ said Maguire. ‘I have joined a club where I felt like it is looking up, a club where I feel like I am going to make an impact straightaway.

‘Weighing up everything, I felt like this was the club that could help me progress into that World Cup squad.

‘I played quite a lot last year, and a lot of interest came in the summer. I had quite a few clubs. I met the gaffer here and he was a real big reason why I chose this club. He is really positive.

‘It is a club that is going in the right place. That is the main reason. And I want to play football, hopefully I can do that here.’

Part of his reason for doing so is because of his desire to break into the England team