This winter’s World Cup kicks off in just eight days and a host of Manchester United players will be going to take part in the tournament.
Gareth Southgate revealed his 26-man squad for their trip to Qatar earlier this week and three Manchester United players were included – Luke Shaw, Harry Maguire and Marcus Rashford.
There were question marks over all three players going into the season and there have been calls for Southgate to drop Maguire from the squad despite the 29-year-old playing a key role in the two most recent tournaments.
Speaking after the squad was revealed, Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira has now hit out at the media for showing a ‘lack of respect’ in regard to Maguire.
“I think sometimes you guys (the media) show a lack of respect to Maguire and to some of the players who have been selected in the national team,” Vieira is quoted as saying by The Athletic.
“Maguire is a top player who has a really strong character. Sometimes you can play well and sometimes you can play badly, but that doesn’t take away the quality that he has and the personality that he has.
“The England national team will benefit from that.”
Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi made his England bow this year but was not called up by Southgate. Vieira also commented on his omission, arguing that Maguire’s experience at international level is what sets him apart.
“Regarding Marc, what he had to do is to keep being consistent with his performances,” Vieira said. “Marc, if you compare him to Maguire, the difference is Maguire knows things that international level which Marc doesn’t know yet.”
SN’s verdict…
It’s clear that Maguire is one of Southgate’s trusted lieutenants and despite his form being shaky, he’s still going to get the chance to play for his nation.
In truth, Maguire’s performances for England have always been impressive. It’s unlikely that England would have reached the EURO 2020 final without him.
At club level, it’s not as promising for Maguire. The untimely injury to Raphael Varane offered him hope but Victor Lindelof has been preferred by Ten Hag.
