After putting in a strong performance during England’s Group B opening against Iran, Harry Maguire was forced off with what is believed to be a concussion.
Great start to the tournament. More to come. šš¼š“ó §ó ¢ó „ó ®ó §ó æ @England pic.twitter.com/I92r7li3xi
ā Harry Maguire (@HarryMaguire93) November 21, 2022
Gareth Southgate’s continued backing of the Manchester United defender has generated a lot of debate in recent weeks and months.
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 gametime.
However, after starting England’s game with Iran, he was extremely impressive. He looked solid at the back and also posed a threat from set pieces.
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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 Roozbeh Cheshmi, but nothing was given, despite a VAR check.
However, just after England had conceded for Iran to bring the game back to 4-1, Maguire was down in some discomfort and received medical attention.
After a few minutes of treatment, Maguire gingerly walked off the pitch with a suspected concussion and he was replaced by Eric Dier.
England went on to win though, with Saka adding another goal in the second half.
Marcus Rashford then added a fifth and Jack Grealish a sixth to put England on course for a superb start to their World Cup campaign
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