This year’s winter World Cup in Qatar kicks off in roughly 24 hours and England are one of the favourites to go far in the tournament, having finished in fourth place four years ago.
Gareth Southgate’s men exited the World Cup in Russia at the semi-final stage before losing the third-place play-off game against Belgium.
Two years later, they fell at the final hurdle in the EURO 2020 final as Italy ran out champions on penalties. Now, they are looking to build on their last two tournaments in Qatar.
Harry Maguire is experiencing an anxious wait ahead of their opening game against Iran on Monday, with his poor form at club level putting his starting place in doubt.
He was, however, a crucial player for England in both of their last two tournaments. Speaking ahead of this tournament, the United skipper has recalled the memories of his first World Cup four years ago.
“Yeah, [it was] an amazing time in my career,” Maguire is quoted as saying by the official Manchester United website. “[It was] a time where I probably took the next step in terms of playing in the big games, in the big matches.
“[The] Tunisia game, the first game of the tournament is always one that I really remember well. We know how important the first game is: get the three points and it sets you off nicely. And to do it in the last minute and for me to get an assist for it as well [was amazing].
“But it was a great memory all the way through [the 2018 World Cup]. I think the fans [and] the atmosphere that it was creating in the country was amazing to see.”
Maguire also spoke glowingly about the prospect of playing in another World Cup this year, claiming it’s the biggest tournament to feature in.
“It’s the biggest tournament in the world for me. It’s watched globally by everybody.
“The build-up [and] the intensity of the World Cup, not just on the pitch but around it, you really feel it. You know how important it is and how much it means to every fan and every person in the country.
“It’s an amazing experience, and one that I’m looking forward to.”
SN’s verdict…
At club level, it’s unlikely that Maguire will be able to reclaim a starting position anytime soon. Erik ten Hag has found a winning formula with Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez at the heart of United’s defence.
That’s, however, not the case with England. As things stand, it looks like Southgate prefers Maguire over any other defender in the 26-man squad.
And in truth, Maguire has hardly put a foot wrong for England since he made his debut in 2017.
