Gareth Southgate decided to include Harry Maguire in his England squad after hearing the Manchester United captain's version of the events that led to him standing trial in Greece.

Maguire was a subject of court proceedings on the Greek island of Syros on Tuesday, following his alleged part in an altercation with police while on holiday in Mykonos.

The 27-year-old spent last Thursday and Friday night in custody and denies all charges. He had the chance to speak to Southgate before being selected for next month's Nations League encounters with Iceland and Denmark.

The England manager hailed his first-choice central defender as "an outstanding character" within the national team set-up, and said he had no reason to doubt Maguire's account of last week's incident.

"It's clearly a decision that is not straightforward and a decision that, in the end, I can only take on the information I have," Southgate told a news conference.

"I've spoken with Harry, I have insight to the story which is very different to what's been reported.

"In these instances, you can only make decisions based on facts that you're aware of. Now, clearly, if facts or information change further down the line, I have to review that decision.

"I have a fantastic relationship with the boy. Harry has been an outstanding character for us.

"I have no reason to doubt what he is telling me. It's important he knows that he's got my support at this moment."

Southgate handed first call-ups to Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden, Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood and Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips.

Manchester City forward Raheem Sterling was named in the squad after a coronavirus scare.

Sterling attended Usain Bolt's 34th birthday in Jamaica on Friday, with eight-time Olympic champion Bolt subsequently asking all people who have been in contact with him recently to quarantine after he opted to take a COVID-19 test and go into self-isolation.

Sky Sports reported on Tuesday that Sterling had since tested negative for the virus and Southgate acknowledged this experience underlined the complications associated with managing an international team during a global pandemic.

"I think we've got seven players who because of the finishing point of their season are currently on holiday or not training with their club," Southgate said.

"They're all outside of the more regular testing regime. I think it's clear from what I've read that there have been positive tests within the Premier League, with clubs returning to that testing procedure.

"We will, as a matter of course, need to test all outfield players this week and, when they report. We're conscious that with this virus some of those test results can be delayed.

"We've got to be very well organised in terms of how we're prepared for our camp. We've got an extra responsibility because we've got players coming from different clubs and we've got to make our environment as secure as we can.

"As a matter of course, everybody - staff, players - will be tested when they arrive. Because of the UEFA requirements and the requirements of the countries we visit, they'll be tested probably about four of five times during the course of the week."

Southgate rejected the notion that Sterling should be criticised for travelling to the Caribbean island – which is on the UK government's list of countries exempt from its advice against 'all but essential' international travel.

He feels a period of downtime is essential in the midst of a hectic schedule for elite players.

"I think we have to be very careful about singling people out. I've seen lots of things across society during this period. Some are commented on, some aren't," Southgate added.

"All of our players have been on holiday. With some, we've seen pictures of things they've been doing, with others we haven't.

"In my view, the players needed a break. They were in a very intense period with their clubs. It doesn't look like there's s break in the calendar for the next 10 months.

"In my mind, having been a player, there was need for them to relax and unwind."