Harry Maguire will be a big player for us.

[Leeds Fox]

7 hours ago, brucey said:

I don't think Morgan is very vocal either, but I thought the reason we didn't like GKs and strikers as captains was that they needed to be able to direct the action in front of them?

 

Goalkeepers should never be captains as it’s wasted. They should be vocal and direct the defence regardless. Also they can’t interact with the referee like a captain should be able to.

 

A captain is much more than being a general on the pitch. It’s someone who is held in high regard by the squad and is the voice for the team to the management. A captain is a leader of men, but that doesn’t mean to say he’s the loudest man on the pitch. Shouting and balling doesn’t make a great leader, having respect from your peers and being able to control them and get them going without the theatricals is just as important. A captain needs to keep his head when others lose theirs, he doesn’t need to be the one who looks the most passionate. 

[murphy]

17 hours ago, StriderHiryu said:

Yeah on second viewing it really was a dive of epic proportions! He only did the finger to avoid getting booked himself ha ha ha.

 

Still love our Harry :)!

 

Sorry, I'm not having this.  For me, Harry lifted his feet in anticipation of a jabbed tackle which didn't come.  It was evasive action.

 

Harry is cultured but an old school bruiser.  I bet he never dived in his life.

Edited 5 July 2018 by murphy

[murphy]

10 hours ago, Col city fan said:

Devil’s advocate time again.

Did you see which of our defenders the Colombian rose above to head their equalizer?

For a big bloke, Harry gets beat too easily in the air. We saw this too often last season. 

For him to become a top class centre back, he must improve this aspect of his game.

Sorry, I know he’s one of ours and is a bloody star, but this shouldn’t be overlooked.

I thought he was dominant in the air all game which was noted by the ITV commentator and outnumbered for the goal.  He has made himself a cornerstone of the England Defence already.

 

I think our Hagrid must be the most coveted defender in the premier league, I think next year will be his last with us sadly.

Edited 5 July 2018 by murphy

[HighPeakFox]

19 hours ago, Blue ROI said:

Sterling is worthless nowadays. 

This is a very underrated post. 

[les-tah]

11 hours ago, BoyJones said:

True. He's had to work extra hard because Alli hasn't turned up yet.

 

But I wish Henderson hadn't got sucked in to retaliating. Pointless booking and poor example to team. Everybody else kept cool but they got into his head. Maybe led to penalty miss. Not captain material for me. 

Hendo has done well. Ali has been utter crap if it wasnt for the kane spurs connection he wouldnt be in the starting 11. Happily have loftus cheek in there.

Edited 5 July 2018 by les-tah

[StriderHiryu]

2 minutes ago, les-tah said:

Hendo has done well. Ali has been utter crap if it was for the kane spurs connection he wouldnt be in the starting 11. Happily have loftus cheek in there.

Yeah I agree he's been given a thankless task but has done alright in all of his games. When he was replaced by Dier against Belgium the difference he makes became abundantly clear.

 

That said our midfield yet again is the weakest part of our team, something which was the case even when we had players like Scholes, Gerrard and Lampard. England just don't "do" creative midfielders, or in the rare case we get them e.g. Scholes / Gascoigne we aren't able to use their talents effectively. I know he's more of a 10 than an 8, but maybe this is something Maddison can help England with in a few years? Phil Foden of Man City should also come on strong, especially with Guardiola coaching him.

 

Back on Maguire, here's a nice read about him:

http://sport360.com/article/football/world_cup_2018/291977/harry-maguire-has-quickly-become-englands-new-cult-hero-after-stellar-showing-against-colombia/

[murphy]

35 minutes ago, StriderHiryu said:

Yeah I agree he's been given a thankless task but has done alright in all of his games. When he was replaced by Dier against Belgium the difference he makes became abundantly clear.

 

That said our midfield yet again is the weakest part of our team, something which was the case even when we had players like Scholes, Gerrard and Lampard. England just don't "do" creative midfielders, or in the rare case we get them e.g. Scholes / Gascoigne we aren't able to use their talents effectively. I know he's more of a 10 than an 8, but maybe this is something Maddison can help England with in a few years? Phil Foden of Man City should also come on strong, especially with Guardiola coaching him.

 

Back on Maguire, here's a nice read about him:

http://sport360.com/article/football/world_cup_2018/291977/harry-maguire-has-quickly-become-englands-new-cult-hero-after-stellar-showing-against-colombia/

Great article. 

 

The most telling line for me:

 

"His man-mountain display on Tuesday night – which included winning 12 aerial duels, the most by a defender at this World Cup inclusive of extra-time so far – showcased his dominance and stature...."

[les-tah]

1 hour ago, murphy said:

Great article. 

 

The most telling line for me:

 

"His man-mountain display on Tuesday night – which included winning 12 aerial duels, the most by a defender at this World Cup inclusive of extra-time so far – showcased his dominance and stature...."

He is seems so reluctant to run with the ball aswell but when he does he looks brilliant in doing so. Maybe he is worried about losing the ball or told to calm down with his runs  

[StriderHiryu]

1 hour ago, les-tah said:

He is seems so reluctant to run with the ball aswell but when he does he looks brilliant in doing so. Maybe he is worried about losing the ball or told to calm down with his runs  

I'm pretty sure he's been told to calm down with his runs because in general it seems like it's Stones role to rove forward with the ball instead of Maguire. Certainly he's not as forwardly mobile as he is for us when we've seen him literally cruyff turn an opponent in their box after a corner, and when sometimes he appears to be a winger or attacking midfielder for us. But he does seem to be getting more confident and is moving more forward with each game. Personally if I was Southgate I would put Maguire in the middle instead of Stones, but I think Southgate's system is generally more solid as Maguire is better defensively than Stones, even if he was partially at fault for Colombia's equaliser the other night.

 

If Puel can get his act together I could see Chilwell (yes really) and Maddison get capped at international level too. Playing Ashley Young at left wing-back over Danny Rose clearly suggests that role is still up for grabs and a good number 10 would surely claim one of the Sterling / Alli / Lingard positions as the first two in particular have not been great.

 

I don't know about you guys, but for me it's added to the excitement of this world cup to see some of our players on the world stage. New Horizons indeed!

[Koke]

 

3 hours ago, StriderHiryu said:

Back on Maguire, here's a nice read about him:

http://sport360.com/article/football/world_cup_2018/291977/harry-maguire-has-quickly-become-englands-new-cult-hero-after-stellar-showing-against-colombia/

 

Nice article. But at one point the author claims Maguire lacks the technicality of a modern day CB and passing the ball out of defence is one of his short comings. What? 

 

He makes the odd misplaced pass, as does John Stones, but both are quality ball playing defenders. They may have other short comings but having the ball at their feet isn't one of them.

[WigstonWanderer]

1 minute ago, Koke said:

 

 

Nice article. But at one point the author claims Maguire lacks the technicality of a modern day CB and passing the ball out of defence is one of his short comings. What? 

 

He makes the odd misplaced pass, as does John Stones, but both are quality ball playing defenders. They may have other short comings but having the ball at their feet isn't one of them.

I’d say he’s considerably better than Stones at this aspect. He doesn’t get caught in possession as much as Stones who can a bit of a worry at times. I do think Stones is getting better though.

[turtmcfly]

32 minutes ago, StriderHiryu said:

I'm pretty sure he's been told to calm down with his runs because in general it seems like it's Stones role to rove forward with the ball instead of Maguire. Certainly he's not as forwardly mobile as he is for us when we've seen him literally cruyff turn an opponent in their box after a corner, and when sometimes he appears to be a winger or attacking midfielder for us. But he does seem to be getting more confident and is moving more forward with each game. Personally if I was Southgate I would put Maguire in the middle instead of Stones, but I think Southgate's system is generally more solid as Maguire is better defensively than Stones, even if he was partially at fault for Colombia's equaliser the other night.

 

If Puel can get his act together I could see Chilwell (yes really) and Maddison get capped at international level too. Playing Ashley Young at left wing-back over Danny Rose clearly suggests that role is still up for grabs and a good number 10 would surely claim one of the Sterling / Alli / Lingard positions as the first two in particular have not been great.

 

I don't know about you guys, but for me it's added to the excitement of this world cup to see some of our players on the world stage. New Horizons indeed!

I'm not sure about this - think it might just be a game by game, moment by moment thing. The only game he hasn't come forward as much was the last one. Yes, this could have been an instruction related to the importance of the game, it could have been the player himself feeling less willing to bomb forward due to its importance, or it could have been just down to him not seeing the space to run into. It's not like our midfield was spending a lot of time round the opposition area - it was pretty congested in the midfield.

 

One thing that hasn't been mentioned much (that I've seen)... despite his brainfarts, having someone as quick as Walker as a third centre-back really allows the other two to move forward, and also it's less of an issue having them up for set pieces. Couple of times against Colombia Walker managed to snuff out their counter attacks.

Edited 5 July 2018 by turtmcfly

[Golden Fox]

4 hours ago, StriderHiryu said:

Back on Maguire, here's a nice read about him:

http://sport360.com/article/football/world_cup_2018/291977/harry-maguire-has-quickly-become-englands-new-cult-hero-after-stellar-showing-against-colombia/

Although a lot of good points made, why can't people just write this stuff without need to put the line in:

"The Foxes star, who has been linked with a big-money move this summer to one of the Premier League‘s big six"

 

Its just lazy journalism with no evidence or backup and adds nothing to the story - but is just written to make the article more relevant to fans of the big clubs.

(Just checked him out: the author is a big Everton fan, so he clearly has a vested interest in trying to unsettle their closest rivals)

[Xen]

1 hour ago, StriderHiryu said:

If Puel can get his act together I could see Chilwell (yes really) and Maddison get capped at international level too. Playing Ashley Young at left wing-back over Danny Rose clearly suggests that role is still up for grabs and a good number 10 would surely claim one of the Sterling / Alli / Lingard positions as the first two in particular have not been great.

Remember that there are a number of players injured or just overlooked who could well be pushing for those places and would also be in front of Chilwell/Maddison. The likes of Oxlade-Chamberlain, Lallana, Wilshere, Shaw et al.

 

They've both got the potential to step up and I really hope they do, but there's a long way to go yet

[Lovejoy]

On 04/07/2018 at 13:01, Blue ROI said:

Sterling is worthless nowadays. 

For some reason I read that in my head as if it were a lyric from the famous Kaizer Chiefs song .

 

Sentiment is so true though.

[StriderHiryu]

2 hours ago, turtmcfly said:

One thing that hasn't been mentioned much (that I've seen)... despite his brainfarts, having someone as quick as Walker as a third centre-back really allows the other two to move forward, and also it's less of an issue having them up for set pieces. Couple of times against Colombia Walker managed to snuff out their counter attacks.

 

It might eventually come back to haunt us, but I think Southgate deserves huge credit for going with his system which allows us to play Trippier and Walker, and allows us to get the best out of Stones and Maguire. Walker has definitely had to sacrifice his own game because he is not a natural CB and has made a few mistakes. But as you say in open play it allows us to take more risks at the back so Maguire and Stones can come out with it as Walker can cover, and Trippier has been brilliant - he'll probably be in the team of the tournament. 

 

England's current problem is the lack of a creative midfielder, a problem which has been with us since the dawn of time.

[davieG]

From awkward schoolboys to England heroes: Never before seen photos of Footballers Harry Kane and Harry Maguire reveal their passion for sport from an early age
Never before seen pictures show Harry Maguire during sports-filled school days
Budding, sports-mad youngster is seen competing in sports and athletics games 
Former teachers spoke highly of the Three Lions star ahead of Saturday's game
By STEWART PATERSON FOR MAILONLINE

PUBLISHED: 13:36, 6 July 2018 | UPDATED: 15:29, 6 July 2018

These never before seen photographs of Harry Maguire show the World Cup star narrowly missing first place in a school sports day.

Maguire, 25, has received widespread acclaim from adoring fans for his brilliant performances during England's run to the World Cup quarter-finals.

The photographs, provided by his former secondary school, show the budding sports-mad youngster competing in sports day, athletics and discus.

His former teachers have spoken highly of the Three Lions star - as excitement builds for Saturday's crunch game.

    +6
Maguire, 25, has received widespread acclaim from adoring fans for his brilliant performances during England's run to the World Cup quarter-finals

Harry, pictured left giving it all but being beaten to the finish line during a 400m race at the Chesterfield school, was also described as 'such a modest lad, he had his head screwed on even at that age'

His former deputy headteacher, Sue Cain, said: 'He was a remarkable pupil who always came in and worked very hard.

'He was never in any trouble and he had such a good attitude.

'I taught all three of the Maguire brothers and they all absolutely loved their sport, his two brothers are also footballers.

'He was such a modest lad, he had his head screwed on even at that age.

'He did everything you asked him to do and he never questioned why.

Harry Maguire, pictured third from right receiving a house award at St Mary's Catholic School in in Chesterfield, Derbyshire,was described by his former deputy headteacher Sue Cain as 'a remarkable pupil who always came in and worked very hard'

'He was a popular lad.'

Ms Cain said she remembers Harry being much taller than the other children.

She said: 'I just remember him being huge.

'Even at a young age he was very tall but he has filled out since then too.

'He was much taller than everyone else when he played football and towered over the other teams.'

Had Harry not reached his full potential as a footballer, Ms Cain said he may have been busy crunching numbers rather than facing megastars such as Neymar at this summer's tournament.

Harry, middle row far right, left St Marys Catholic School in Chesterfield, Derbyshire almost 10 years ago but has not forgotten his roots

 

Ms Cain added: 'He got A* and A grades in his GCSEs.

'I think he would have gone on to study business or maths and probably have been an accountant.

'He was very capable academically.'

Harry left St Marys Catholic School in Chesterfield, Derbyshire almost 10 years ago but has not forgotten his roots.

The Leicester city star returns to the school regularly to answer questions and sign shirts for the children who idolise his rise to the top.

The photographs, provided by his former secondary school, show the budding sports-mad youngster competing in sports day, athletics and discus (pictured)

Speaking of a visit earlier this year, Ms Cain said: 'It was electric.

'The excitement was building but when he arrived all the kids' faces lit up.

'We are incredibly proud of him and are so grateful he wants to come back to visit but we are not surprised because he is so loyal.

'Harry is such a role model for the students who idolise him.

'He has never forgotten where he came from and it reminds the pupils what they can achieve.

'I couldn't bare to watch the penalties in the last match and I was just praying he didn't take one as I couldn't have taken the pressure.

'Thankfully we got through which is great, he has done brilliantly and we are all very proud of him.'

Harry's former PE teacher at St Mary's, Martin McKee, said he not only excelled at football, but was also a good middle distance runner and played table tennis and rugby.

He said: 'The one thing I always remember is the way he approached people in the right manner like not arguing with the referee.

'He could really dominate a game from central midfield.

He started his club career at Sheffield United before moving on to Hull City and later Leicester City, where he remains a key player. He is pictured far right with school friends from the athletics team 

'He had an aura about him.

'He could dribble around everyone if he wanted to.'

Asked whether he always knew that Harry would play for England, he replied: 'No, absolutely not.

'Some players have that ability but you can never tell if they are going to kick on.

'He is one of the most level-headed players I have come across.

'Nothing fazes him.'

Maguire has played in each game at the World Cup.

He started his club career at Sheffield United before moving on to Hull City and later Leicester City, where he remains a key player.

Despite only having nine caps, his England career has been very successful and he has received many plaudits for his commanding performances at the back.

Maguire is set to line up in England's crunch match tomorrow (Saturday July 7) against Sweden, where they will be hoping to reach the semi-finals.

 

 

[HighPeakFox]

I teach at that school - true story Just one morning a week, but I've been there since 2009, so maybe we crossed paths briefly.

[st albans fox]

Interesting that he is clearly intelligent ...... that really does help you excel in any profession, especially when many of your peers probably aren’t ............

[Leeds Fox]

On 05/07/2018 at 12:10, StriderHiryu said:

I'm pretty sure he's been told to calm down with his runs because in general it seems like it's Stones role to rove forward with the ball instead of Maguire. Certainly he's not as forwardly mobile as he is for us when we've seen him literally cruyff turn an opponent in their box after a corner, and when sometimes he appears to be a winger or attacking midfielder for us. But he does seem to be getting more confident and is moving more forward with each game. Personally if I was Southgate I would put Maguire in the middle instead of Stones, but I think Southgate's system is generally more solid as Maguire is better defensively than Stones, even if he was partially at fault for Colombia's equaliser the other night.

 

If Puel can get his act together I could see Chilwell (yes really) and Maddison get capped at international level too. Playing Ashley Young at left wing-back over Danny Rose clearly suggests that role is still up for grabs and a good number 10 would surely claim one of the Sterling / Alli / Lingard positions as the first two in particular have not been great.

 

I don't know about you guys, but for me it's added to the excitement of this world cup to see some of our players on the world stage. New Horizons indeed!

 

Good post. Whoever is the trusted man to take the ball forward will play through the middle so that is clearly Stones. 

 

Maguire seems to look awkward on the left, he’ll never really be able to get as wide as he would on the right when Pickford has the ball because it limits his options having to play the ball inside (generally speaking). 

 

Also, playing 3 at the back doesn’t really afford the option for a CB to bring the ball out, especially when the wing back’s are playing high up the pitch and we’re playing without a true defensive midfielder. 

 

The passing at the back back could easily see us caught out against better opposition who are more likely to nick the ball and seriously punish us given a chance or two. Although it’s refreshing to see a bit of a philosophy starting to come together, even if it does seem to break down as it moves forward to the midfield and forwards.

 

Sweden’s biggest threat will probably come from set pieces and hopefully we have the players to deal with it. 

Edited 6 July 2018 by Leeds Fox

[brucey]

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-cup/2018/07/07/making-harry-maguire-slab-head-has-become-englands-unlikely/amp/?__twitter_impression=true

 

Great article from Percy. Basically Spurs nearly got him last summer but Shakey won him over 

[davieG]

Quote

 

Craig Shakespeare, his former manager at Leicester and the man who signed him from Hull City, recalls a story from last summer which perfectly captures Maguire’s grounded personality. “He was identified as our main transfer target and shortly after the end of the season he was on a city break in Majorca with his family and I went out to meet him,” Shakespeare told Telegraph Sport. 

“We had lunch and I told him the club’s plans, what I thought of him and  how he could improve.

“I knew Leicester was the right club for him in terms of his personality. He really grew on me in the meeting, with all the questions he was asking about the style of play and Leicester as a football club. 

“I thought this kid could go far so I was really pleased we could seal the deal because there were other clubs chasing him. He could have gone to Spurs but chose Leicester.” 

 

Yet some people still think the manager has little or no influence over who and how we buy players.

[Countryfox]

12 hours ago, HighPeakFox said:

I teach at that school - true story Just one morning a week, but I've been there since 2009, so maybe we crossed paths briefly.

 

Do you take the pedantry class Peaky ?

[HighPeakFox]

1 minute ago, Countryfox said:

 

Do you take the pedantry class Peaky ?

Automatically. But in addition, a little music tuition.

[OhYesNdidi]

1 hour ago, brucey said:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-cup/2018/07/07/making-harry-maguire-slab-head-has-become-englands-unlikely/amp/?__twitter_impression=true

 

Great article from Percy. Basically Spurs nearly got him last summer but Shakey won him over 

We are paying him £80k p/w which I doubt Spurs were willing 2 + playing time probably gave us the edge. I doubt a player would sign just because of Craig shakspeare.

Edited 7 July 2018 by OhYesNdidi