Peter Crouch claims Harry Maguire deserves his place in the World Cup squad for England.
Gareth Southgate’s 26-man squad included Maguire, despite the fact the centre-back has lost his place in the Manchester United starting eleven.
In Maguire’s defence, though, he has rarely let England down. The defender played a key part in England teams that reached the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup as well as the final of Euro 2020.
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that Southgate picked him.
Former England striker Crouch feels some of the criticism of Maguire has gone too far, and argues he has every right to be in the squad.
“Now, I think I think he’s had a difficult season,” Crouch told the Daily Express.
“But I don’t think he’s ever let England down. You know, I think he’s played a big tournament and always looks like a different player.
“I think what’s happened to him has been incredibly harsh, I think some of the stick is probably past the line. I feel a bit sorry for him.
“But what I would say is England and Manchester United, and the spotlight there, are two different things.
“I know there’s been lots of players over the years who have played for England and, you know, played a lot better for their clubs.
“And I think playing for England is probably a nice release for him from, you know, a lot of the difficulties he’s faced.
“If there was somebody better they’d have taken an opportunity by now, but I don’t think anyone else has taken it.
“And I think he’s probably the best bet at the moment.”
It may prove beneficial to England that Maguire has not played a lot of football this season since most players going to the tournament have been pushed to the limit in recent months.
Maguire is one of few players Southgate doesn’t need to worry about when it comes to fatigue.
