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England defender John Stones has praised Harry Maguire, saying his defensive partner has answered his critics with his displays at the 2022 World Cup.
As noted by BBC Sport, Stones and Magure have played 32 matches together for the Three Lions. The duo have started all three games at the 2022 World Cup so far, as England finished top of Group B.
They conceded just two goals along the way, with both of those coming in the opening game against Iran.
England duo forming strong bond in Qatar
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Gareth Southgate’s selection of Maguire in the final 26-man squad came under fire, but the Manchester United defender has answered his critics with his solid displays at the back.
And Stones has praised Maguire’s mentality in recent times, believing he has been ‘terrific’ in Qatar so far.
“Right from the first game, the best response is what he’s been doing,” said Stones. “All three games have been terrific.”
“It’s about us finding that partnership again, whoever we play with, and I think we have done in these three games. Now it’s time to keep building, keep improving.
“Having been through so many moments with him – knowing what he’s been going through at his club as well, and the person that he is – I think it speaks volumes about him to come through that and still believe in himself like I believe in him, like all the team believe in him, like his teammates at United believe in him.”
Stones praises Maguire for ignoring critics
Stones noted how his teammate has blocked out the critics, and has answered any criticism going his way with his displays on the pitch.
Maguire’s England selection came despite the defender playing just four Premier League matches for Man United this season. He’s also played one League Cup game, as well as 141 minutes in the Europa League.
“There’s been a lot of noise from the outside which he has not listened to and instead tried to improve himself,” said Stones.
“He’s come into this tournament and hit the ground running, and that is great credit to him.”
England defender wants to avoid shock exit
England defender Stones also touched on the shock exits that have taken place in Qatar so far, with the likes of Germany and Belgium failing to make it to the knockout stages.
Germany finished third in Group E behind Japan and Spain, winning just one of their three group matches. Belgium suffered the same feat in Group F, losing out to Morocco and Croatia on a place in the Round of 16.
Both nations won one, drew one and lost one in their respective groups. Germany’s major upset was a 2-1 loss to Japan, with Belgium’s equivalent a 2-0 loss to Morocco.
Commenting on the shock exits, Stones said: “It’s always difficult when you see big teams or big players that don’t live up to the expectation of the nation.
“We don’t ever want to fall into that category. All we can affect is what we’re doing, what games we’re playing and giving it our all.”
Group B winners England now take on Group A runners-up Senegal on Sunday, with Southgate expecting a tough test against the African champions.
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