Harry Maguire made his return to the England team in the Three Lions’ 1-0 win over the Czech Republic.
The Manchester United captain appeared to be back to his best, galloping forward with the ball to drive the team’s attacks. He made more passes into the penalty area than any other player.
Maguire’s qualities have been talked up ahead of the England v Germany second round game at Euro 2020 on Tuesday, by 1990 World Cup winner Jurgen Klinsmann.
Klinsmann told The Athletic he felt Maguire was remisiscent of Brazil 2002 World Cup winner Lucio.
He said: “You have Harry Maguire, who kind of frightens everybody when this guy rolls through midfield. He reminds me a bit of Lucio, the Brazilian centre-back — he looks like a Mustang running through everybody.”
Maguire is being appreciated
It is funny quite how the narrative changes when Maguire is in an England shirt as opposed to United’s.
Suddenly nobody is talking about the £80 million fee he cost, and his qualities are the topic of conversation.
Maguire does have ability to run through midfields similar to Lucio, but he lacks the effectivness the Brazilian possessed inside the penalty box. That was where the Selecao star really came into his own, scoring vital goals. Maguire can still develop that a little more.
It was great to see him back, and it really emphasised how badly Manchester United missed him in the Europa League final.
Neither Victor Lindelof or Eric Bailly have the same quality on the ball and United missed Maguire’s help in trying to break down a deep lying Villarreal side.
England’s match against Germany will be a huge test. Whatever happens, the Three Lions surely stand a better chance with Maguire in the starting line-up.
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