Harry Maguire backs Jamie Vardy to shine at 2018 World Cup

Harry Maguire has backed his Leicester City teammate Jamie Vardy to star for England at the 2018 World Cup.

Maguire and Vardy are both in the Three Lions squad that will take on the Netherlands and Italy over the next week, and the pair are expected to be in Gareth Southgate's selection for this summer's tournament.

Maguire has branded his club teammate "a nightmare to play against" as the striker looks to add to the six goals that he has managed for England.

"I play against him in training, I see him each day, he is a nightmare to play against," Maguire told the London Evening Standard. "You can ask any defender in the Premier League and they would say that he is one of the worst players to play against.

"His pace frightens people. He is so quick he causes trouble for everyone on the backline, but he works tirelessly as well. I am pleased he is on my team for club and country.

"Jamie is 31 but he looks after himself really well. He is in great form, great nick. He has definitely not lost any pace with age. If anything, he has come on stronger this season.

"Jamie has been playing at a very high level, especially in recent weeks. He is popping up with big goals at crucial times and been phenomenal. He has come to the England set-up full of confidence and I am sure he is looking forward to playing."

Vardy has scored 17 times in 34 appearances for Leicester during the 2017-18 campaign.