'The one positive was Harry Maguire's performance'
Manchester United legend Bryan Robson has heaped praise on Harry Maguire’s performances with England at the World Cup, ahead of Tuesday night’s big game against Wales.
Reds captain Maguire was excellent in the 6-2 win over Iran and even claimed an assist in the process, before shaking off a bout of illness to produce another commanding display against USA. Harry has been widely described as the Three Lions' best player in that goalless draw.
England are currently preparing for a Battle-of-Britain clash against Wales in a mouth-watering final match in Group B. Kick-off in Qatar is scheduled for 19:00 GMT and, if you aren’t able to watch the action, you can follow live updates via the United App or ManUtd.com.
Ahead of the game, Robson has provided his assessment of the game and Maguire’s contributions so far in a column for the Daily Mail. You can read an extract of Bryan’s article here...
“Wales will be fiery. Friday’s performance will have given them encouragement. They love nothing better than beating the English and they will be more than up for it. Our objective must be to rattle into them from the start; win the battle to earn the right to play.
England are currently preparing for a Battle-of-Britain clash against Wales in a mouth-watering final match in Group B. Kick-off in Qatar is scheduled for 19:00 GMT and, if you aren’t able to watch the action, you can follow live updates via the United App or ManUtd.com.
Ahead of the game, Robson has provided his assessment of the game and Maguire’s contributions so far in a column for the Daily Mail. You can read an extract of Bryan’s article here...
“Wales will be fiery. Friday’s performance will have given them encouragement. They love nothing better than beating the English and they will be more than up for it. Our objective must be to rattle into them from the start; win the battle to earn the right to play.
“The tempo must be much quicker because that’s where we are at our best, and not taking too many shape-shifting passes from side to side. Take the risk, go forward and that’s where players like Phil Foden excel. Great players take the right options and he does that more than most.
“A British derby should be the perfect stage for us to return to form and we need to because winning the group gives us a better route to the final. Games against Wales were always a bit tasty, though my experiences were in the Home International Championships.
“A British derby should be the perfect stage for us to return to form and we need to because winning the group gives us a better route to the final. Games against Wales were always a bit tasty, though my experiences were in the Home International Championships.
“I can remember the ex-Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder Peter Nicholas being a bit combative, even dirty at times. He’d leave his foot in but I relished the challenge. When we played Republic of Ireland in Italia '90, it was equally cagey, two teams knew each other well, I was up against Andy Townsend and Paul McGrath.
“My big moment was missing a chance set up by Paul Gascoigne and we ended up drawing 1-1. This time, I’m very confident England can win.
“My big moment was missing a chance set up by Paul Gascoigne and we ended up drawing 1-1. This time, I’m very confident England can win.
Harry Maguire and Bryan Robson - Captain's episode
podcastThe current Manchester United skipper, Harry Maguire, goes head-to-head with Captain Marvel, Bryan Robson, in this pod - as they each build a six a-side team from a long list of United players who have worn the armband in years gone by. Cristiano Ronaldo, Roy Keane, Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand, Paul Pogba and many more names are up for grabs - as are Harry and Robbo themselves. The pair spoke to what qualities are necessary to be a captain and which leaders have inspired them...
“The US were excellent at nullifying our threat down the flanks and Gareth needs to improve that and dominate the midfield. We should have too much quality for them in that area and Foden will be chomping at the bit.
“The one positive was Harry Maguire’s performance. Harry has taken a lot of criticism and had a torrid time lately, so for him to put in such a dominant display at this level speaks volumes for his character.
“That growing confidence will be tested by Kieffer Moore, who will be Wales’ main target of attack, but again it’s a battle Harry should be up for. We’ve had our wake-up call, now we need to up the tempo and grab this chance to progress.”
Bryan Robson was speaking to the Daily Mail.
“The one positive was Harry Maguire’s performance. Harry has taken a lot of criticism and had a torrid time lately, so for him to put in such a dominant display at this level speaks volumes for his character.
“That growing confidence will be tested by Kieffer Moore, who will be Wales’ main target of attack, but again it’s a battle Harry should be up for. We’ve had our wake-up call, now we need to up the tempo and grab this chance to progress.”
Bryan Robson was speaking to the Daily Mail.
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