Harry Maguire has thanked England boss Gareth Southgate for his support as “there's loads of people who probably don't think I should be in the squad”. Maguire continues to be selected for his country despite struggling to nail down a regular starting place in Manchester United's team this season.
“I think I've been in every single squad I've been available for, I've played every competitive game that I've been available for,” said the defender.
“It gives me great confidence.” Maguire, who was given his England debut by Southgate in 2017, added: “There's loads of people out there now who probably don't think I should be in the squad.
“There's millions of people that think I should be.
“That's football and that's why it's such a great game because everyone has such a different opinion.” In September 2023, Southgate labelled the criticism of Maguire – who had been stripped of the United captaincy two months earlier – as “a joke”.
In a friendly against Scotland at Hampden Park, Maguire came on as a substitute at half-time and was mocked by the home fans before he scored a 67th-minute own goal.
“From a Scotland fans' point of view I get it,” said Southgate at the time. “I have absolutely no complaints with what they did.
“But it's a consequence of ridiculous treatment of him for a long period of time.
“It's a joke. Not by the Scottish fans but by our own commentators, pundits or whatever it is. They've created something that's beyond anything I have ever seen.” Maguire is set to win his 63rd cap in Saturday's friendly against Brazil at Wembley, as well as feature for England at Euro 2024 in Germany this summer.
“I think that the faith and the trust that he [Southgate] has shown me throughout my time for England has been brilliant,” added Maguire, who has made 19 starts in all competitions for United this season.
‘Huge strides under Southgate'
The Football Association are keen for Southgate to remain as England boss beyond this summer's European Championships. Southgate has been linked with Manchester United but Maguire is keen for the 53-year-old to stay with the Three Lions.
“Yes, definitely,” said Maguire when asked if he wanted to see Southgate continue in his role.
“I don't know what's going to happen after the Euros, I don't know if he knows what's going to happen.
“But I feel like what he's done from when he first took over this job to where we are at now, we've taken huge strides and he's a massive part of that.”
— CutC by bbc.com
