Gary Neville believes that Harry Maguire plays better for England because he feels more at home in the Three Lions set-up in comparison with Manchester United.
Maguire has been on top form for Gareth Southgate at the World Cup in Qatar. Since being forced off through illness in the 6-2 victory over Iran, the 29-year-old has played every minute at the tournament so far for England.
Alongside John Stones, Maguire appears to be flourishing in the back four leading to some questioning why he does not excel like this for United. Currently, the Reds' captain is the fourth-choice centre-back at Old Trafford with Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane and Victor Lindelof ahead of him.
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Before the World Cup, Maguire played a mere nine appearances for United leading to criticism of Southgate for selecting the defender. When asked by Sky Sports why the Englishman plays better for his country, Neville explained that there is potentially several reasons for this.
"I think he feels loved more by England maybe, I think he feels more at home," he said. "During my career, I can think of one player who was playing better for their country than their club; Harry Maguire plays better for his country than his club.
"I think there are a few players who feel that way, Raheem Sterling. If you look at that game against Iran that is better form than we have seen him in for Chelsea this season.
"They have a good group, a manager who believes in them, who has selected them regularly. I didn't think Harry would play, if he was going to play I thought it would be on the left of a back three so for Harry to play the first games like he has, I think is a massive success.
"Harry is a great centre back and he has been brilliant in the last two tournaments, he has just had an awful time at United these last 12 months. United is a very unforgiving place, I know that from being there for 20 years, if you just do not get it right that place can just eat you alive - Harry is just getting that at this moment in time.
"I think he will come through it at United. All I will say is that there was great players who have been through the same experience at Manchester United where it was tough for them but they came through it and were better for it.
"I don't think Harry Maguire or Marcus Rashford will come out of this tournament fazed or lacking in confidence any more. I went through it but I came out of it feeling bulletproof and that is how they will feel too after it."
England will return to action on Sunday in the Round of 16 when they will face Senegal in Al Khor.
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