When the last international break finished, there was plenty of discussion about the position Harry Maguire was in.
He received a first half red card in a 1-0 England defeat at home to Denmark, and looked a man in need of a break.
Maguire was back at Wembley for the first time since then last night, and led the Three Lions out for the first time ever against Ireland in the absence of Harry Kane and Jordan Henderson.
The defender opened the scoring on an altogether happier night at Wembley, as England ran out 3-0 winners.
In total Maguire managed four shots, more than any player on the pitch. Striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin came closest with three.
He was also able to make five headers, more than any other England player.
He made two clearances and two interceptions against a visiting side who didn’t offer much cutting edge.
On the ball, Maguire was very composed. He posted a pass accuracy of 94.3 per cent from his 70 attempted.
That was enough for WhoScored to make him their star man, although Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka scooped the official award.
All in all, it was a comfortable night’s work where he didn’t put a foot wrong. That’s what he needed after his last Wembley outing.
Speaking after the match, Maguire gave his thoughts on the performance to ITV’s International Football Highlights show (12/11, 53 mins).
“A great night for myself personally, a great night for the team,” said Maguire. “Really important to get the win, a clean sheet as well which is really nice for a defender.
“Then a goal on top. So, I’m really proud to lead my country out and be the captain. It’s a great achievement for myself.”
England have two Nations League matches to come, against Belgium and Iceland and Maguire will hope for more of the same in the coming days.
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