Harry Maguire has defended his England team-mates after their efficiency at Euro 2024, labelling the criticism as “a bit ridiculous”.
England reached back-to-back European Championship finals however suffered the identical final result in Berlin as they did at Wembley three years in the past.
The defeat towards Spain noticed Gareth Southgate develop into the primary head coach within the historical past of the event to finish up on the shedding aspect in two finals.
Southgate referred to as time on his eight-year tenure answerable for the Three Lions two days after the event ended, profitable 59.8% of his 102 video games in cost.
Regardless of this, underwhelming performances in Germany noticed cups thrown in direction of the previous England head coach as supporters jeered the gamers.
Southgate got here underneath fireplace for his defensive method, although solely Walter Winterbottom (383) and Alf Ramsey (224) have overseen extra England targets than his 213.
Nonetheless, Maguire has come to the defence of his England team-mates and former head coach.
“Sure, performances won’t have been superb however it’s event soccer,” Maguire informed BBC Sport.
“It isn’t as expansive. There are far much less dangers taken. You possibly can’t afford to make errors or get caught going out in a full press. You noticed all through the event there weren’t many high-scoring wins.
“I simply don’t know what the media or followers anticipated of this staff. Was it to go and beat Serbia 4-0 within the first recreation after which beat Denmark 3-0? Did they assume it was simply going to be a stroll within the park?”
In their very own phrases: the gamers who represented England underneath Gareth Southgate
Thanks once more, boss pic.twitter.com/gvBcCzfODZ
— England (@England) July 25, 2024
Below Southgate’s stewardship, England reached extra main event finals in 4 makes an attempt (two) than they did of their first 23 appearances on the World Cup and Euros (one).
Maguire performed 63 occasions throughout Southgate’s time in cost, a complete solely bettered by Harry Kane (81), Kyle Walker (70), Jordan Pickford and John Stones (each 68).
Maguire was pressured to overlook the event having picked up an harm in Might and was unable to function in Manchester United’s FA Cup success towards Manchester Metropolis.
Euro 2024 was the primary main event he has missed throughout his worldwide profession, having develop into a mainstay in central defence alongside Stones.
Maguire’s 17 appearances at main tournaments noticed him hold seven clear sheets, however he insisted that lacking out on Euro 2024 was tough for him to understand.
“To overlook out was robust,” mentioned Maguire.
“It has been actually irritating, working all season to get myself mentally and bodily on the high of my recreation and be able to really feel I might actually make a distinction for Manchester United and my nation.”