Harry Maguire insists his intense criticism is for ‘clicks’ after rare outing in England’s defeat by Italy… despite not starting a league match for Man United since 4-0 mauling at Brentford six weeks ago
- Harry Maguire has defended his selection in the England team during Italy loss
- Three Lions’ 1-0 defeat meant they were relegated from the Nations League A
- Maguire started the match against Italy at the San Siro despite his lack of games
- The 29-year-old feels his criticism is for clicks being Manchester United captain
Harry Maguire has defended his selection for England during their 1-0 defeat by Italy, which saw them get relegated from the top tier of the Nations League.
It was the Three Lions’ third loss in five matches, as Giacomo Raspadori found the back of the net in the 68th minute at the San Siro in Milan.
But even more worryingly for Southgate his team have now gone five competitive matches without victory and not scored a goal in open play for 450 minutes.
Harry Maguire has defended his England selection in Italy defeat despite his lack of game time
The 29-year-old was backed by Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate to be in the starting line-up
The 29-year-old was backed by the Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate, but his place in the starting line-up has come under scrutiny after not playing for United in six week, falling behind Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez in the pecking order.
The Red Devils captain, however, insists he is ready to play whenever called upon despite losing his place under Erik ten Hag at club level. He last played for United in their 4-0 mauling at Brentford.
Maguire told talkSPORT: ‘I am all good, ready to play, I feel fit and fresh. On my form, I don’t know what has been said, I don’t really read about it.
Maguire has not started a Premier League game for Manchester United in six weeks
‘I came off the back of three positive games with England in the summer, and a good pre-season, I felt really good.
‘Obviously, the manager [Erik ten Hag] decided to leave me out for a game, and the team have been winning since.
‘I am working hard on the training pitch to make sure I am ready for when my opportunity comes. That is all what I can do to try and help the team.
‘I am not concentrating on anybody else and what people are saying, I think if people can make a story about me, I am Manchester United captain, it is going to make big news.
Maguire went into the Euro 2020 after an injury and made it into the team of the tournament
‘So, that is the reason they do it, they like the clicks, and things like that, but I went into the Euros after an eight-week injury, and did not play one game, and got into the team of the tournament.
‘In terms of rustiness, and things like that, I am sure that won’t happen.’
Next week, Germany travel to Wembley, after they also lost 1-0 on Friday, at home to the group’s surprise package, Hungary.
The Germany match is England’s final chance to play together before the beginning of the World Cup on November 20, with the Three Lions playing their opening match against Iran the following day.
