Harry Maguire says that he is good enough to play at the highest level, saying that he has nothing to prove and that every England teammate agrees with him.
Maguire has been relegated to a back-up central defender at club level, with Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag preferring Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez and even Luke Shaw over Maguire. His appearances have mostly come in cup competitions.
But for England, Maguire retains the support of his manager. Gareth Southgate has repeatedly picked Maguire despite public criticism and his waning influence at club level. Not only did Maguire imply that he has been made a scapegoat for United’s poor results last season, he insists that he has repeatedly proven that he belongs at the top level.
“For England, yes, I do [feel appreciated],” Maguire said. “Obviously, last season was difficult for the club but listen, I’ve proven myself to Gareth, who works with a wide range of centre-backs. He has the choice of all the English centre-backs in the country and every time I’m available, I’ve been in the team. I’m sure if you ask the rest of the lads they know what I bring to the team.
“I feel like I’m nearly 30 years old but I shouldn’t really need to prove myself at this level. I’ve made over 50 caps. I’m England’s top-scoring defender.
“I’ve played nearly 200 times for Manchester United. I’ve captained the club for three years now but I do also understand that when you are the captain of Manchester United you do come under the most amount of scrutiny. Last season at club level, my performance wasn’t good enough. Alongside everybody else at club level, not just myself.”
Southgate was questioned for continuing to pick Maguire when he was not playing every game at club level, although his name was repeatedly sung by England’s travelling support in Naples. In his own defence, Maguire pointed out that his presence has hardly impacted Manchester United’s results negatively.
“I know people obviously look at me not playing but when I’ve played, I think in my last eight or nine starts for Manchester United we have won,” he said.
“I can’t remember losing a game for Manchester United, it must be the third week of the season. It’s probably my last appearance where I’ve lost the game. So my influence is still there. But of course, I love playing for my country and in 50-odd caps I feel like I’ve never let my country down.”
from Football - inews.co.uk https://ift.tt/thA6PQ9
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