Manchester United and England defender, Harry Maguire, has expressed his gratitude towards national team manager Gareth Southgate for his unwavering support, despite facing continuous criticism from fans.
Maguire, 31, who has found himself in and out of Manchester United‘s starting lineup this season, has consistently been selected by Southgate for international duty. Ahead of the upcoming friendlies against Brazil and Belgium, Maguire took the opportunity to acknowledge Southgate’s faith in him.
“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,” stated Maguire, reflecting on his consistent inclusion in the England setup since making his debut in 2017.
He continued, “It gives me great confidence. 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.”
Maguire stressed how crucial Southgate’s assistance was to him as England manager Even though he received criticism. He emphasized Southgate’s demonstration of faith and trust, which has increased his self-assurance on the global arena.
Speculation Surrounding Southgate’s Future
Maguire’s remarks are related to conjecture about Southgate’s future, which has him being linked to a managerial role at Manchester United. However, Maguire and his fellow England players are determined to keep Southgate in charge of the team after the summer.
“We want to be successful in the Euros – we are not looking at the World Cup at the moment – but obviously if we are successful at the Euros, which is our main focus, of course, we want to be successful,” expressed Maguire, emphasizing the team’s focus on the upcoming European Championships.
He added, “If Gareth’s the man to make us be successful then we want him to stay as long as possible. I’ve had a great relationship with him. I’ve been a big part of the success and the progression that we’ve shown as a country.”
Criticism Addressed by Southgate
In September 2023, Southgate publicly defended Maguire against criticism, labeling it as “a joke.” The defender had faced ridicule from Scotland fans during a friendly match at Hampden Park. He scored an own goal after being subjected to mockery.
Southgate denounced Maguire’s treatment, blaming it on harsh criticism from experts and analysts. Maguire perseveres and stays committed to his efforts to the club and the nation despite these obstacles.
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The Football Association is keen on retaining Southgate beyond the European Championships, amidst reported interest from Manchester United. Maguire echoed the sentiment of his teammates, expressing his desire to see Southgate continue in his role as England manager.
“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,” stated Maguire, underlining Southgate’s role in England’s progress.
Maguire’s appreciation for Southgate’s support underscores the strong bond between player and manager.
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