Harry Maguire has endured a tough start to the season following his incredible performances for England at last summer’s European Championship.
The 28-year-old was one of England’s standout performers throughout the tournament but has failed to replicate that form this season, with the defender at fault for several goals conceded by the Reds.
Earlier this week, Maguire enjoyed one of his better performances this season as he helped England to a 5-0 win over World Cup qualification rivals Albania, with the defender scoring the opening goal.
Maguire celebrated the goal by putting his hands to his ears, something ITV pundit Roy Keane was far from impressed with, branding the Manchester United captain as ’embarrassing’.
Micah Richards, the former Manchester City defender, has now jumped to Maguire’s defence on social media, hitting out at the hypocrisy shown in the criticism of Maguire.
Former Chelsea captain John Terry was quick to agree with his former England team-mate, as seen below.
People: Footballers are like robots, they have no personality!
Harry Maguire. Scores the opening goal for his country, celebrates with real passion whilst referencing those who have been criticising him.
People: That's embarrassing pic.twitter.com/T7bfC0FphK
— Micah Richards (@MicahRichards) November 13, 2021
100% Agree mate https://t.co/FBrBx32IQB
— John Terry (@JohnTerry26) November 13, 2021
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SN’s verdict on Maguire’s celebration and the subsequent criticism…
Frankly, the reasons behind criticising Maguire for his celebration are nonexistent. Maguire, who had barely put a foot wrong in 2021 up until the start of this season, scored a goal for his country and was visibly overcome with all kinds of emotions.
The testing nature of the last couple of months must only have added to his jubilation when he scored and with some of the criticism he has faced, he would be perfectly entitled to address it with his celebration.
Unfortunately, there are some figures in the media who are desperate to look for negatives in everything and on this occasion, that person was a former Manchester United captain.
Maguire has nothing to apologise for and can instead be proud of the performance he put in a game England had to win. Once again, he showed up when his side needed him.
England manager Gareth Southgate reserved special praise for Maguire following the game, praising him for showing ‘huge responsibility’ after returning early from injury.
That’s the type of character Maguire is and desperate jabs at him just because it fits today’s narrative won’t stop him in his tracks – he has been through much worse and bounced back.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be hoping to see Maguire return to his best form after the international break, with Raphael Varane’s injury still an obstacle for the Norwegian manager.
