There is so much controversy surrounding the fact that Macguire started the England vs Iran match, Maguire in the national team is a completely different version.
Concerns about Maguire’s position
Sutton expressed concern about Maguire’s condition in a pre-match interview with the Daily Mail’s “World Cup Confidential” ahead of England’s opening encounter in Qatar.
The former striker said: “I have no objection to Maguire, but I do not agree with him being included in the World Cup. Maguire’s lackluster performance last year made him not considered for a place in the Man United squad. ” Alternatively, Iran could “target Maguire’s position”, which worries Sutton.
You have good reason to be concerned. The 29-year-old midfielder has only made 9 appearances this season for M.U, and he is primarily used as a backup to the starting defense pairing of Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez. Not Maguire, but Victor Lindelof, was selected to play with the Argentine rookie after an injury to the French player.
As a result, the British feared Maguire and his opponents found hope in him. Some Iranian fans even showed up to Khalifa Stadium with a banner reading “It’s not coming home because of Harry Maguire” before the game.
Maguire in another version
Last night, however, the Manchester United midfielder showed that he becomes another person when he dons the England jersey.
This is the poise of a central defender who is comfortable with the ball in his hands and ready to make a game-changing pass. When England were having trouble breaking down Iran’s pressing defense, it was Maguire who ultimately proved to be the game-changer.
Maguire had the first three threatening chances for the Three Lions, but he was unable to capitalize on any of them. The ball struck the post, and his header hit the crossbar.
Two early goals for England were both assisted by the same center defender. Mason Mount received a cross, then moved the ball to the left for Luke Shaw, who sent another cross in for the game’s first goal, scored by Jude Bellingham. After that, Bukayo Saka scored on a volley off a corner kick by Shaw.
The two events above allowed the British to finally score, leading to a jubilant celebration in Khalifa Stadium. And it all began with Maguire, the Old Trafford “clown” Sutton had believed would be the tomb for the Three Lions.