Maguire's World Cup match to remember
Manchester United captain Harry Maguire is in England's squad for the second World Cup in a row and is relishing the chance to play in the tournament again, after loving the experience first time around.
The centre-back was a key member of the team who reached the semi-finals in 2018, as the nation was captivated by Gareth Southgate’s side.
Ahead of this year’s competition, Maguire spoke about the World Cup in an exclusive interview with club media, recalling the tournament in Russia four years ago and in particular, England’s 2-1 win over Tunisia in the first group game.
Maguire: It's the biggest tournament in the world
Harry Maguire can't wait to pull on an England jersey again in Qatar this winter...
“Yeah, [it was] an amazing time in my career,” said Maguire, looking back to the 2018 tournament.
“[It was] a time where I probably took the next step in terms of playing in the big games, in the big matches.
“[The] Tunisia game, the first game of the tournament is always one that I really remember well. We know how important the first game is: get the three points and it sets you off nicely. And to do it in the last minute and for me to get an assist for it as well [was amazing].
“But it was a great memory all the way through [the 2018 World Cup]. I think the fans [and] the atmosphere that it was creating in the country was amazing to see.”
Following his experience in 2018, Maguire is excited to play at another World Cup, this time in Qatar.
“It’s the biggest tournament in the world for me,” he said. “It’s watched globally by everybody.
“The build-up [and] the intensity of the World Cup, not just on the pitch but around it, you really feel it. You know how important it is and how much it means to every fan and every person in the country.
“It’s an amazing experience, and one that I’m looking forward to.”