‘Maldini’ – What Fans Are Saying About Harry Maguire After England’s 6-2 Win

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England's Harry Maguire salutes their fans after the match.

REUTERS/Dylan Martinez

England started their World Cup 2022 campaign with a statement 6-2 win over Iran.

Gareth Southgate’s men controlled the game from minute one and invited Iranian forwards higher up the pitch to open the space behind by circulating the ball in their defensive third.

Harry Maguire and John Stones’ calmness in possession was key in getting the approach right, further aided by Jude Bellingham dropping deep to get the Three Lions out.

England defenders were equally involved in their attacking third, with Maguire’s header rattling off the crossbar early in the game. Minutes later, Bellingham opened the scoring, but it was the United captain’s incisive pass in the final third followed by Luke Shaw’s cross that cut open Iran’s defence.

Bukayo Saka doubled the lead from a superb finish from inside the box after Maguire picked him with a smart header.

The 29-year-old was replaced by Eric Dier early in the second half after an injury, but he did enough in 70 minutes of action to show why Southgate handed him a start in England’s opening game of the tournament.

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Maguire has struggled for both form and game time at the club level. As such, the commanding performance in both boxes against Iran will certainly build his confidence for more intense fixtures.

Marcus Rashford also enjoyed a productive outing on Monday afternoon, scoring England’s fifth goal after coming off the bench.