Manchester United defender Harry Maguire labeled the criticism of England’s Euro 2024 performances as “a bit ridiculous.”
Maguire, who has featured over 60 times under manager Gareth Southgate Xoilac, missed England’s run to a second consecutive European Championship final in Germany due to a calf injury.
During the group stage, Southgate and the team faced hostility from some fans, including beer cups being thrown and jeers. The team’s series of lackluster performances were met with widespread disdain from supporters, media, and pundits alike.
“Yes, the performances might not have been spectacular, but this is tournament football,” Maguire told BBC Sport during the club’s pre-season tour of the United States.
“It’s less expansive and involves taking fewer risks. You can’t afford mistakes or get caught out by a full press. As you saw throughout the tournament, there weren’t many high-scoring games.
“I wonder what the fans as well as the media and press have about the team. Did they think we were going to beat Serbia 4-0 in the first game and then dispatch Denmark 3-0? Did they really believe it would be that easy?”
Southgate resigned two days after the tournament concluded.
Tom Heaton, Maguire’s teammate and a training goalkeeper with the England squad, remarked: “I’m not entirely sure when the narrative shifted. Throughout Gareth’s entire tenure, there has been a generally positive outlook.
“From the perspective of the players, we will try to prevent negative news sources from affecting the players, as well as constantly improve football skills, thereby eliminating incorrect prejudices about football. football team.
“It was an amazing experience, but I was somewhat surprised by the negative outlook from the beginning of the tournament.”
Maguire: Missing Two Career Highlights Was ‘Tough’
Maguire suffered a calf injury in training at the start of May and was unable to recover in time for the FA Cup final victory over Manchester City at Wembley four weeks later.
Another setback while on England duty led to Southgate omitting him from the final 26-man Euro 2024 squad.
“Missing out was tough,” Maguire admitted.
“It has been incredibly frustrating, as I worked all season to be at my best mentally and physically, aiming to make a real impact for Manchester United and my country.”
The 31-year-old received significant praise last season for his determination to stay with United despite being stripped of the captaincy by manager Erik ten Hag and falling to fifth choice central defender behind Victor Lindelof, and Jonny Evans, Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane.
Maguire made 31 appearances across all competitions, despite not starting a Premier League game until October.
With United investing £52m in 18-year-old French defender Leny Yoro, Maguire insists he is ready to fight for his place in the first team 7m.
“There was a lot of uncertainty about my future last year, but I spoke with the manager. He explained my situation, reassured me that he believed in me, and said I would have opportunities,” Maguire said.
“I showed last season that when I got the chances, I took them well,” Maguire said.
United’s FA Cup final win shifted perceptions around Ten Hag and likely secured his position.
However, Maguire acknowledges that finishing eighth in the Premier League was inadequate.
With Dan Ashworth now as sporting director and Omar Berrada as the new chief executive, Maguire anticipates improvements but is realistic about the challenges ahead.
“I don’t expect us to go from finishing eighth to winning all the trophies overnight,” he admitted.
“But I do believe we are moving in the right direction, and the changes at the top will help the club return to its rightful place.”