Gareth Southgate is generally a model of diplomacy and calm, so his outburst against Harry Maguire’s critics was pretty startling.
And his defense of Manchester United’s unloved center-back, Maguire, must have touched him. But Maguire, 30, is more than capable of defending himself and appears to be less concerned by the mockery than Southgate is.
“I finished off last season with two very strong performances for England and I have played in all five matches to help put us where we are in qualifying,” Maguire reminded his critics.
“He (Southgate) played me in the World Cup, and I had a fantastic World Cup despite not playing many games.” And the fans have always supported me. They’ve seen what I’ve done for England in 59 caps. I’ve accompanied them to three major events.”
Maguire started for England in their 1-1 draw with Ukraine and came on as a late substitute in their 3-1 victory over Scotland. Despite the own goal at Hampden Park, Maguire was pleased with his efforts in both games.
“I had a really positive performance in Ukraine and was very happy with my performance there,” he remarked. I chatted with the manager and the employees, and they were also quite pleased. To be honest, I’m feeling great. I felt good in both the Ukraine game and the second half (at Hampden Park). Little things can work against you, and one instance did.
“I’m disappointed by my own goal, but that’s football.” You place yourself in those positions as a centre-back. “I’m really happy with how I played in the second half and how I handled it.”
Southgate’s steadfast, emotional devotion for his defender has made it impossible for him to discard him, even if Maguire remains a peripheral player at United. But Maguire is confident that he will receive more game time with his injury-plagued club squad shortly, if only because of approaching commitments in the Champions League and Carabao Cup.
“I know, at the moment, when I haven’t started a game in the first four games of the season, the story comes to me,” he continued. So, if I am picked, I must continue to perform. Listen, I want to play games in club football. The first four weeks were difficult since there was only one game per week and the manager did not select me, but we have a lot more games coming up and I am confident I will play a lot of games.”
Maguire will not only be in the team for October’s friendly against Australia and Euro qualifier against Italy, but he will also start the competitive encounter. And, despite his club’s troubles, it’s evident he enjoys being around his England teammates.
He even joked that the constant booing from opposing fans means his teammates get a free ride. Maguire smiled as he reflected on the game at Hampden Park, when home fans paradoxically celebrated his every touch: “Well, it pretty much takes the pressure off my team-mates and puts it all on myself.” It undoubtedly improves their performance.
“The setting was hostile. We knew it would be nasty when we heard the national anthem and how they disrespected it… and I received the majority of it in the second half. Don’t worry about it; I’m happy to go with it.”
We’re not concerned, Harry. Only your England manager appears to be.
