UK: 18+ USA: 21+ | Begambleaware.org | T&Cs apply | Play Responsibly
England are preparing for a crunch quarter-final meeting with France on December 10 but are already dreaming of becoming world champions.
The Three Lions have impressed under the tutelage of Gareth Southgate, reaching the semi-finals in Russia. They followed their terrific run in FIFA World Cup 2018 with a final berth against Italy in Euro 2020.
England has stumbled at the final hurdles and are backing to get in a similar contention in the current iteration of the FIFA quadrennial event. Defending champions France will be tough to knock off their pedestal but have the belief to go all the way.
Defender Harry Maguire is confident in realizing this ambition and has the optimism to back it up. He admitted to thinking about lifting the World Cup in his bed as the current squad has moved in a positive direction since their semi-final run in 2018.
England’s mentality has changed since their exceptional runs in international knockout competitions, which has further spurred them to aim higher. They lacked the belief and experience in their earlier attempts and are in much better stead this time around.
“Probably, yes,” the Manchester United captain remarked. “I think that’s the one thing I’d say that’s a lot different from the 2018 squad to this squad – I think we really believe that it is possible.
“I played in 2018 and we got to the semi-final and I think a lot of the lads were happy. You were happy to be part of the semi-final.
“You know that whatever happened in that semi-final that you’d go home and be classed as a hero and everyone would be patting you on the back.
“I think now there’s a belief that we’ve got to win this tournament. It is a good change in the mentality.
“Of course, we know how tough it is going to be. I think there are probably five or six teams with the same belief.
“But in 2018, we probably weren’t one of those teams that had that belief. Now there’s five or six who have that belief and we’re one of them.”
Harry Maguire on his place at Manchester United 💭#mufc pic.twitter.com/3pqmrxXUX3
— Man United News (@ManUtdMEN) December 8, 2022
Manchester United not on the mind
Maguire has been under the spotlight for all the wrong reasons since England’s semi-final run. The defender was arrested while vacationing in Greece, causing a media storm in footballing circles.
His form has taken a hit since then. Ole Gunner Solskjaer persisted with him but Erik ten Haag has not taken the same approach. The 29-year-old has found the going tough and is the third choice at Old Trafford.
Southgate had to field numerous questions about his preferred defender. Despite all the criticism, England’s defence has held its own and arrives in the quarter-final on the back of three successive clean sheets.
Maguire has distanced himself from the criticism and shared that such analysis does not bother him. Blips in club form are temporary and they do not have an impact while on England duty.
“I don’t read too much if I’m being honest,” the former Hull City defender commented. “You pick up bits and bobs and maybe my family read things more than me. I tell them to stay off (social media), but maybe they don’t because it’s a habit for most people these days.
“So, no, I read little bits and bobs, but I’m 29 years old, the captain of Man United and have made 52 appearances for my country.
“So, when I look back on my career and put everything into perspective, if I was a young boy then I’m living the dream. I’m doing everything I always wanted to do.
“So, where I’m at at the moment, the next stage of my career I want to start winning trophies.
“The last year has been difficult, and I haven’t played as well as I’ve done in the previous five years at the top level.
“But I think during a career there’s only probably Lionel Messi and Cristiano (Ronaldo) who are the only two who’ve not had a dip in their careers.
“It’s a 15-year career if you’re lucky really, there’s no way really, especially with all the scrutiny that’s on defenders these days, you’re not going to have dips.
“I’m probably going to have another one as well, but its how you come back, how you bounce back from them. You’ve got to remain focused and keep the belief in yourself.”
Subscribe to Punditfeed on Google News for all the latest updates from the world of sports!