How Maguire broke an England record
Harry Maguire became England’s highest-scoring defender of all time during the Three Lions’ dominant 10-0 win over San Marino on Monday.
The Manchester United centre-back nodded in Phil Foden’s cross after five minutes to open the floodgates and help Gareth Southgate’s side on their way to securing qualification for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
It was Maguire’s second goal in the space of three days for his national side, and his fifth in 2021 alone – with only Harry Kane netting more for England this year.
His recent spree, moving him on to seven goals for England from 41 caps, means Harry has now carved out his own piece of Three Lions’ history.
England's highest-scoring defenders:
— Will Jeanes (@will_jeanes) November 15, 2021
Harry Maguire: 7
Jack Charlton: 6
John Terry: 6
Phil Neal: 5
Stuart Pearce: 5
Tony Adams: 5
Gary Cahill: 5#England #Maguire https://t.co/eeAqBUkj9Q
John Terry and the late Jack Charlton were the previous record holders, after both centre-backs were on the scoresheet six times for their country.
Charlton, World Cup winner and brother of United legend Sir Bobby, racked up his tally from 35 caps.
Terry, who offered his congratulations to Maguire via Twitter, required 78 international appearances for his half-dozen strikes.
Harry opened his England account while still a Leicester City player, memorably heading in the opener in his country’s 2-0 win against Sweden in the 2018 World Cup quarter-final.
The other six goals have come in the last 12 months, starting with one of England’s three in last November’s friendly victory over the Republic of Ireland.
Maguire volleyed home a late winner – his only Three Lions goal that wasn’t a header – against Poland in March.
6/7 - Six of Harry Maguire's seven goals for England have been headed, netting five international goals in 2021 - at 1-0, only Harry Kane (12) has scored more this calendar year for the Three Lions. Presence.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) November 15, 2021
The United captain headed home Luke Shaw’s cross during another tournament quarter-final, last summer's 4-0 success versus Ukraine at Euro 2020 – and played a vital role in England’s run to the final at Wembley.
Gareth Southgate’s side finished runners-up to Italy of course and will now be hoping to go one better in the World Cup next year. Maguire has played a vital part in them getting to Qatar, having added further headed efforts to his goals tally at the expense of Hungary, Albania and now San Marino in qualifying.
We’ll leave the last word to Harry, who posted this message on social media after the game in the tiny European republic: “Brilliant way to finish the year - Qatar let’s go!”