Harry Maguire has hit out on the “ridiculous” criticism levelled at England for his or her performances at Euro 2024.
England made it to a second consecutive Euros ultimate in Germany, however fell on the ultimate hurdle as soon as extra as a late winner from Mikel Oyarzabal handed Spain a 2-1 win in Berlin and a document fourth European Championship title.
Although the Three Lions progressed by to the ultimate of Euro 2024, supervisor Gareth Southgate got here in for a substantial quantity of criticism for his ways and group choice. Plastic pint cups have been even thrown at Southgate within the aftermath of the bore 0-0 draw with Slovenia within the group levels, such was the ire of travelling followers.
Southgate has since resigned from his publish and talking to BBC Sport, Maguire – one in every of his most utilised gamers all through his tenure in cost – has come out in defence of his former supervisor, questioning whether or not or not expectations from the media and supporters have been practical.
“[Criticism] was a bit ridiculous. Sure, performances may not have been wonderful however it’s match soccer,” Maguire stated. “It’s not as expansive. There are far much less dangers taken.
“You’ll be able to’t afford to make errors or get caught going out in a full press. You noticed all through the match there weren’t many high-scoring wins.
“I simply don’t know what the media or followers anticipated of this group. Was it to go and beat Serbia 4-0 within the first recreation after which beat Denmark 3-0? Did they suppose it was simply going to be a stroll within the park?”
Maguire did not make Southgate’s ultimate Euro 2024 squad because of a muscle harm and, talking to Sky Sports activities, he admitted that the frustration was the toughest interval of his profession to this point.
“It was an actual powerful second in my profession. It was most likely the hardest second in my profession to this point,” he stated.
“To get myself right into a place the place all yr I’ve labored arduous to play on the finish of the season and to play in these massive video games, cup finals after which to go to the Euros and attempt to win the match for my nation.
“I felt like I acquired myself in an awesome place bodily and mentally to go and carry out on the highest stage, and to face the setback I did with the harm, it was an actual powerful second for me.”
