Harry Maguire feels back to his best after a difficult start to the season for club and country, with the England defender excited by the progress being made by Gareth Southgate’s side ahead of the Euros.
Five years on from going to the finals in France as a Three Lions fan, the 28-year-old is heading into this summer’s rearranged tournament as an established member of the squad.
Maguire starred in England’s run to the 2018 World Cup semi-finals and became the world’s most expensive defender when joining Manchester United from Leicester the following year, leading to increased scrutiny on and off the field.
A high-profile Greek court case during a truncated pre-season appeared to impact the defender’s performances, with poor club form continuing on to the international scene when Maguire was sent off in October’s shock 1-0 loss to Denmark.
But Maguire has rallied impressively and the United skipper believes a strong mentality has been key to bouncing back.
“I’m really happy with my own form,” he said. “Obviously staying injury-free has been a big plus for me for this year and I’m happy with my game at the moment.
“I think in a football career you have so many ups but you have a lot of downs as well.
“It’s the way you come back, it’s the way you fight back and get your head down, work hard and regain your confidence.
“I felt like I’ve done that this year, which I’m really pleased with myself (about).
“But it can be a tough game at times. When you’re losing games it’s not nice and when you’re conceding goals, especially as a defender and you’re playing for Manchester United, you’re under scrutiny.
“You’ve got to work hard, believe in yourself and keep working hard on the training pitch. I feel that’s what builds the confidence back.”
Maguire was rested for Thursday’s 5-0 cakewalk against San Marino and is in line to start in Albania on Sunday as World Cup qualification continues.
A busy day ahead 👊— England (@England) March 27, 2021
Memories of the run to the 2018 semi-finals of that competition remain fresh and Maguire believes England have kicked on since then.
“I think over the three years we’ve developed,” Maguire said.
“We’ve worked more tactically and the experience of the big tournament, and the highs and the lows, and obviously losing the semi- final.
“We’ve got to take that experience into the coming tournaments. I’m sure it will help us.
“Yeah, of course, as a player and as a team and individuals and tactically, three years is a long time to develop and, yeah, I’m sure we have developed in a positive way.
“I think (the new faces), first and foremost, have brought a lot of talent.
“They’re all good players technically. They’re all playing really well for their clubs and if you’re not playing well in your club game, you don’t get the opportunity to play for your country.
“You play week in, week out for an opportunity to come and represent your country and everyone who’s involved in the squad deserves that.
“For sure it brings a lot of talent to the group, a lot of competition for places, and you know you can’t settle. You’ve always got to push for more.”
John Stones knows that as well as anyone as the reinvigorated centre-back prepares to make his first international start since November 2019, having bounced back from a dip in form and game time at Manchester City.
“I’m really close to John,” Maguire said. “I’m good mates with him off the pitch. Obviously we’re rivals on the pitch at club level but we come together England and we play together.
“I’ve grown up playing against him. He’s from around my area. It’s nice to see him doing so well and his confidence.
“It’s an opportunity for us to try and build a partnership if we get the opportunity to play together. We’ve played together numerous times for England and it’s one that I enjoy.”
Maguire is also delighted for United team-mate Luke Shaw, whose outstanding displays mean the left-back is on course to win his first cap since September 2018.
“I’m really pleased for Luke,” he added. “Thoroughly deserved (call-up), he’s had a great season.
“I think like Gareth said, his ability on the ball, his ability to get forward, creating a lot of chances for us at a club level and hopefully he can bring it to international level.”
