Harry Maguire said he was taken off during England’s 6-2 win over Iran because he felt ‘unwell’ – but he is eager to be part of the team’s next match against the USA on Friday.
Maguire was taken off in the second half, with the original diagnosis of suspected concussion, after putting in an impressive performance during England’s comprehensive win.
His performance won the backing of many on social media, so his early departure caused some concern, but he took to Twitter after Monday’s win to confirm his substitution in the 70th minute was only a precaution.
Maguire tweeted: ‘I felt unwell in the second half so came off as a precaution. Looking forward to Friday.’ He also included an England flag and a picture from the clash.
Harry Maguire took to Twitter to reveal he was taken off during England’s 6-2 win over Iran because he felt ‘unwell’ but hinted he would be back in action on Friday against the USA
Maguire was consoled on the pitch by his team-mates after taking a knock to the head
The continual backing of Southgate for the Manchester United defender has created much controversy over recent weeks and months.
After the match, Sportsmail reporter Rob Draper tweeted an update from Southgate on Maguire’s condition.
‘Harry Maguire felt ill. Flagged it before goal. There was no point carrying on but other than that no causes for concern,’ Southgate said.
He was forced off in the second half, and later the defender confirmed he was ‘unwell’
Maguire has been a key player during Southgate’s tenure as England boss, playing a major role in their run to the World Cup semi-finals in 2018 and the Euro 2020 final last summer.
He was even voted into the Euro 2020 team of the tournament – but he has struggled ever since.
The defender has found himself out of Erik ten Hag’s plans at Old Trafford so far this season, slipping down the pecking order and struggling for game time.
However, after starting England’s game with Iran, he was extremely impressive – looking solid at the back and also posing a threat from set pieces.
In fact, Maguire laid on an assist for Bukayo Saka, and also should have had a penalty when he was seemingly dragged down by Iranian defender Rouzbeh Cheshmi, but nothing was given, despite a VAR check.
Maguire gingerly walked off the pitch and was replaced by Tottenham defender Eric Dier
His departure disappointed the England fans as they felt he had been performing well
However, just after Iran pulled one back to make the scoreline 4-1, Maguire was down in some discomfort and received medical attention.
After a few minutes of treatment, Maguire gingerly walked off the pitch – originally it was deemed to be a suspected concussion – and he was replaced by Tottenham defender Eric Dier.
And following the substitution, England fans were quick to praise the performance of the much-maligned Maguire.
Jermaine Jenas, on co-commentary for the BBC said: ‘Hopefully a sensible decision will be made because Harry Maguire doesn’t look right. You can just see it in his eyes.
‘For Maguire to perform how he did, especially in the first half, attacking in both boxes. He can be proud and hold his head high. It’s a good step in the right direction.’
And fans shared Jenas’s sentiments.
England fans were quick to praise Harry Maguire after his performance on Monday afternoon
One said: ‘People who said Maguire shouldn’t start for England are absolute casuals.’
Another added: ‘Maguire in an England shirt is unreal.’
A further supporter exclaimed: ‘When Maguire plays for England he looks like Prime Maldini.’
There was even more praise from elsewhere, with fans also referencing his often poor form for Manchester United compared to his impressive displays for England.
One said: ‘MAGUIRE IS INSANE FOR ENGLAND.’
Another said: ‘Why is Maguire awful for United but actually insane for England haha.’
England had raced into a three-nil lead at half-time thanks to goals from Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka and Raheem Sterling.
Saka added another one in the second half, before Mehdi Taremi pulled one back for Iran. Marcus Rashford then added a fifth and Jack Grealish a sixth to give England a superb start to the tournament, which was only dampened by Taremi’s stoppage time penalty.
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