Harry Maguire has revealed that he has received messages of support from Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag for his performances at the World Cup.
As reported in The Sun, Maguire says he is feeling fit again as he looks ahead to England’s big quarter-final tie against France on Saturday.
Maguire has performed well in all four of his games in Qatar, allaying fears that his lack of playing time at club level will hamper his performances for England, which have largely been excellent during his time with the Three Lions.
His return to form was not lost on Ten Hag, who approached Maguire to congratulate him. Ten Hag’s native Netherlands are still in the competition and a final against England is still a possibility.
“I’ve had a couple of nice text messages from them saying how well I’ve done and congratulations on reaching the quarter-finals. It’s nice,” Maguire said.
“I’m sure they’ll be watching the games, but Erik will be supporting the Oranje Army. It’s good to feel their support.”
The United captain admitted that the last year has been difficult for him, with his form suffering and losing his place in the starting eleven, with Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane forming a strong partnership for Ten Hag.
“The last year has been difficult and I have not played as well as in the previous five years at the highest level.
I have not hidden from the last year. It has been difficult, but I always knew and believed very much in myself that I would find my way and regain my confidence and my focus,” he said.
However, the United captain says he now feels he is getting back to full fitness and fitness and hopes to get back to the top of his game, for England and United.
“Now, I feel in a good place. I feel good mentally, I feel good physically. I feel fresh and I’m looking forward to a great match on Saturday”.
Maguire will need to be at his best on Saturday as England face their biggest test of the tournament yet, with France and Kylian Mbappe waiting.
