Harry Maguire has slammed the “ridiculous” criticism leveled at England for their performance at Euro 2024.
England reached their second straight Euro final in Germany, but ran into a last-gasp challenge as Mikel Oyarzabal's late winner gave Spain a 2-1 win in Berlin and a record fourth European Championship title.
Although the Three Lions are through to the finals of Euro 2024, manager Gareth Southgate has come under fire for his tactics and squad selection. Plastic cups were even thrown at Southgate after the 0-0 draw with Slovenia in the group stage, much to the chagrin of the away fans.
Southgate has even resigned from his position and spoken to him BBC SportMaguire – one of his most used players during his tenure – has come out in defense of his former manager, questioning whether or not the expectations of the media and supporters were true.
“[Criticism] it was a bit ridiculous. Yes, the games may not have been surprising but championship football,” said Maguire. There are very few risks taken.
“You can't make mistakes even if you get stuck from full press, you saw the whole tournament and they didn't win many goals.
“I just don't know what the media or the fans were expecting from this team. Was it to beat Serbia 4-0 in the first game and then beat Denmark 3-0? Did they think it was just going to be a walk in the park?”
Maguire failed to make Southgate's final Euro 2024 squad due to a hamstring injury and, speaking to Sky Sportshe admitted that the disappointment was the most difficult time in his career so far.
“It was a really difficult time in my career. It was probably the hardest time in my career to date,” he said.
“To put myself in a situation where all year I have worked hard playing at the end of the season and playing these big games, in the cup finals and then I go to the Euros and try to win the championship for my country.
“I felt like I was in good shape physically and mentally to go and play at the highest level, and to face the setback I did with the injury, it was a really difficult moment for me.”
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