England and Manchester United defender Harry Maguire may be a household name - but it turns out 'Harry' isn't actually his real one.
Maguire, 31, played a key role in Gareth Southgate 's side at the 2018 World Cup, Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup. His robust style of defending and knack for scoring big headers ensured he became a firm favourite among Three Lions fans across the three tournaments.
Yet his parents Alan and Zoe in fact named him Jacob when he was born in March 1993. Harry is actually his middle name, which the central defender has adopted from a young age.
Maguire’s preference for his middle name over his first remains a mystery. And it doesn't appear to be because of any family members sharing the name 'Jacob'.
Curiously, the ex-Leicester City and Hull City player’s siblings Joe and Laurence both still use their given names. But Maguire isn't the only England international who goes by a different name to the one assigned at birth.
World Cup hero wants Man Utd move as doubts over Harry Maguire's future grow
England No.1 Jordan Pickford ’s surname was Pigford before his dad opted to change it in order to spare his blushes. And former shot stopper Joe Hart, who earned 75 caps between 2008 and 2017, was actually born Charles Joseph John Hart.
The BBC Euro 2024 pundit has a more straightforward reason for going by his middle name than Maguire, with 'Joe' being used to differentiate him from his father, who is also called Charles.
Referring to either player as Charles or Jacob now seems bonkers. And Maguire’s team-mates agree, having affectionately dubbed him 'Slabhead' and 'Dennis the Menace'.
Maguire was included in England's initial 33-man squad for Euro 2024 even though he missed the last five games of United's 2023/24 season, with Southgate placing importance on his valuable tournament experience. But he was left bitterly disappointed by his omission from the final squad due to a lingering calf problem.
Maguire wrote on social media: "I am devastated not to have been selected to play for England at the Euros this summer. Despite my best efforts, I have not been able to overcome an injury to my calf.
Harry Maguire was an England fan favourite at Euro 2020 ((Image: Getty))"Maybe I pushed myself too hard, to try and make it. Simply, I am absolutely gutted. For me, representing England is the highest honour. It means everything to me.
"If I can't help the team as a player, I will support them as a fan along with the rest of the country. Go and win it boys. Next, I will return to the supervision of the Manchester United medical team in order to prepare for next season."
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