When Harry Maguire felled Jamal Musiala to give Germany a penalty in England’s final game before the World Cup, he knew what was coming.
After an ascent that saw the centre-back capture the hearts of a nation – becoming an English cult hero at the 2018 World Cup, then earning a place in UEFA’s Team of the Tournament at Euro 2020 – things have been altogether rockier for him in recent times.
After he was dropped by Erik ten Hag at Manchester United in August, following a lengthy period of criticism for his club performances, debate raged as to whether Maguire should be dropped by England, too. When Germany were awarded their penalty, more negative headlines were inevitable. He has had to somehow try to shrug it all off. “I’m not concentrating on what people are saying,” he insisted. “I don’t really read it.”
Through it all, Gareth Southgate has stood by a man who did so much to help England to reach a World Cup semi-final and their first major final in 55 years. Sidelined by the Red Devils, Maguire remained a first-choice defender for the Three Lions in September.
Southgate’s loyalty is due in no small part to Maguire’s attitude and desire. This is still a down-to-earth, slightly bruised human being who is desperate to succeed for his country. That much is clear as Maguire talks to FFT: hurt by recent events, he prefers not to discuss his difficult year, trying instead to retain the positive mindset he will need for the World Cup by reflecting on the rise that got him to this position in the first place.
At 29, Maguire still dreams of another tournament like the last two. Whatever happens, he won’t take for granted the experiences he has had in an England shirt.
The first time you were called up for England, in 2017, you famously turned up with your belongings in a bin bag. Why?
I’d come from Leicester, where the limelight wasn’t as big. I wasn’t used to
