Under-fire Manchester United star defends his place in England team after Italy loss - report
Harry Maguire has recently received plenty of criticism from football fans over his performances for club and country.
However, he has claimed he is not bothered by the negative comment, suggesting they are made ‘for clicks.’
The 29-year-old was part of the England team who were relegated from the Nations League after their 1-0 defeat to Italy on Friday night.
Despite having Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling and Phil Foden in attack, the Three Lions failed to score at the San Siro.
Giacomo Raspadori’s stunning 68th-minute strike ultimately decided the fate of the game in favour of Roberto Mancini’s side.
Maguire has endured a frustrating 2022-23 season at Manchester United, losing his place to new signing Lisandro Martinez. He has made only three Premier League appearances this term.
Gareth Southgate surprisingly started him against Italy, but the centre-back defended his position.
He 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.
“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.
“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.”
Apart from Jude Bellingham, every England player underperformed on Friday night.
Maguire’s performance was by no means a disaster, but it wasn’t a vintage display either.
He made a tackle, an interception and three clearances while completing 92.7 percent of his passes (as per WhoScored).
He was beaten in the air by Gianluca Scamacca early in the game, but he settled down after that.
On the back of this performance, Southgate will probably feel justified in sticking with the former Leicester City star.
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