Harry Maguire has hit out at the criticism England received from pundits such as Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer following their failure to win Euro 2024 this summer.
The Manchester United centre-back was left out of Gareth Southgate’s squad due to concerns over his fitness.
England weren’t at their best during the competition but still made the final before losing 2-1 to Spain on July 14.
Lineker, Shearer and Micah Richards were often critical of the Three Lions, with some feeling they overstepped the mark.
Harry Maguire was forced to miss out on playing for England at Euro 2024 due to injury
PA
And Maguire, speaking to 90min, has now hit out at the ‘ridiculous’ criticism aimed at England as they ultimately came up short.
“[Criticism] was a bit ridiculous. Yes, performances might not have been amazing but it is tournament football,” he told BBC Sport.
“It is not as expansive. There are far less risks taken.
“You can’t afford to make mistakes or get caught going out in a full press. You saw throughout the tournament there were not many high-scoring wins.
“I just don’t know what the media or fans expected of this team.
“Was it to go and 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 has been a regular for England over the years.
While Marc Guehi impressed in his place, the Three Lions lacked leaders out in Germany. Had Maguire been fit, he’d have been able to use his experience to help both himself and his team-mates.
Discussing how he felt about being left out, the former Leicester and Hull star added: “It was a real tough moment in my career.
“It was probably the toughest moment in my career to date.
“To get myself into a position where all year I’ve worked hard to play at the end of the season and to play in these big games, cup finals and then to go to the Euros and try to win the tournament for my country.
“I felt like I got myself in a great position physically and mentally to go and perform at the highest level, and to face the setback I did with the injury, it was a real tough moment for me.”
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Harry Maguire has hit back at pundits who condemned England for their performances at Euro 2024 this summer
RESTISFOOTBALL
Regarding his club future, it’ll be interesting to see what happens.
United recently signed Leny Yoro from Sevilla, with the defender likely to be first-choice alongside Lisandro Martinez next term.
As a result, Maguire and Victor Lindelof are both being linked with moves away.
But Maguire is determined to stay, with the centre-back saying he’ll only pursue a new challenge when told his United career is over.
Harry Maguire is eager to stay at Man Utd despite talk of a possible transfer away from Old Trafford
PA
“Listen, until I get told, ‘you’re up for sale’ or ‘we want you to leave’ I want to play for this club and make it successful again and all the things I’m hearing and seeing from everyone involved is I’ll be part of this club for the future,” he continued.
“Every summer and every transfer window at Manchester United, there are 15 players out of the door and we’re getting 45 players in! I think every player knows that’s what happens.
“I’m a player with only a year left on my contract with an option, but if they come to me and say they don’t want me any more, of course I’ll look for options elsewhere.
“But I’ve never been told that.”