Manchester United defender Harry Maguire called the criticism of England’s Euro 2024 performances “a bit ridiculous.”
Maguire, who has played over 60 times under manager Gareth Southgate, missed England’s run to a second consecutive European Championship final in Germany due to a calf injury.
During the group stage of the tournament, beer cups were thrown at Southgate, and the team faced jeers from some fans. Below-par performances were met with disdain from supporters, media, and pundits alike Xôi Lạc TV.
Although his performance is not too impressive, in every match, we will not know the outcome, and there will always be surprises.
“It is not as expansive. Far fewer risks are taken. You can’t afford to make mistakes or get caught pressing high. In all the matches in the tournament, the team’s goal difference is not high, I don’t know what the fans and the media expect from the team. Did they think we would beat Serbia 4-0 in the first game and then Denmark 3-0? Did they think it was just going to be a walk in the park?”
Southgate resigned two days after the tournament ended.
Maguire’s teammate Tom Heaton, who was part of the England squad as a training goalkeeper, added: “I’m not quite sure where the narrative changed. Throughout Gareth’s entire tenure as manager, there has been a really positive outlook.
“From a players’ perspective inside the camp, we managed to shut out the negativity, create a siege mentality, and prove people wrong.
“This development surprised me quite a bit, but I also greatly look forward to the surprises that will happen in the future”
Maguire: Missing Two Career Highlights Was ‘Tough’
Maguire sustained a calf injury during training in early May and was unable to recover in time for the FA Cup final victory against Manchester City at Wembley four weeks later.
Another setback during England duty resulted in Southgate excluding him from the final 26-man Euro 2024 squad.
“Missing out was difficult,” Maguire commented.
“It has been extremely frustrating, after spending the whole season getting myself mentally and physically prepared to be at my best and contribute significantly to Manchester United and my national team.”
Player Harry Maguire, at the age of 31, has received many compliments for his improved playing technique, as well as his ability to coordinate well with the players on the team after being stripped of the captaincy by coach Erik ten Hag. must play in the midfield position
Despite not starting a Premier League match until October, Maguire still managed to make 31 appearances across all competitions.
With United investing £52m in 18-year-old French defender Leny Yoro, Maguire remains determined to fight for his spot in the first team.
“There were many doubts about my future last year, but I had a conversation with the coach. He explained my situation, expressed his confidence in me, and assured me I would have opportunities,” said Maguire.
“I demonstrated last season that when given the opportunities, I made the most of them.”
United’s FA Cup final win altered the views on Ten Hag and likely secured his position.
However, Maguire acknowledges that finishing eighth in the Premier League was insufficient.
Thanks to the appointment 7m of two people, Dan Ashworth and Omar Berrada, to the board of directors, it promises to bring the team a brighter future through investment, allocation of financial resources, as well as the purchase and sale of professional players.
However, we have to look at reality, I cannot help a team that is ranked 8th on the rankings win the championship.
But I feel we are on the right track. With the high determination of the players and the special tactics of the coaching staff, I believe that the team’s performance will improve and win high titles. quarter in the near future.
