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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Liam Wood

Harry Maguire has been given post-World Cup blueprint by Manchester United teammate

Manchester United captain Harry Maguire and his England teammates would be forgiven for flicking over the TV station when the World Cup draws to a conclusion on Sunday afternoon. It might and, perhaps, should have been them competing against Lionel Messi and Argentina for the golden trophy.

England will see the Qatar showcase as an opportunity missed. However, while that heartbreak will take time to heal, other items have been quickly restored to the agenda and, for Maguire, that includes winning back his spot in the United team from World Cup finalists Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez.

Crucially, though, he does not have to look too far for inspiration. Similarly to Maguire, teammate Luke Shaw found himself with additional competition this summer when Tyrell Malacia was brought in from Feyenoord as part of the ongoing rebuild.

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Shaw took first dibs with Premier League selection but then had to watch Malacia shine, before eventually taking 'his' place back. Maguire has not been able to follow suit, yet, but does have the perfect example to follow in his ongoing battle with Varane and Martinez.

Maguire, 29, and his inclusion in the Three Lions squad was a major talking point before this tournament. However, the decision made by Gareth Southgate was vindicated on the pitch - and it was the England manager who placed his trust in both players at the height of their club struggles.

Speaking in the September break, Southgate said: "Everyone will focus on Harry [and his mistake], but over the two matches there were some very important moments that Harry delivered. Luke [Shaw] there was another example of someone who is an outstanding footballer.

"What do we do? Not pick Luke Shaw because he's not playing enough football? Or do we pick a player who can do what you saw there on Monday night [during the 3-3 draw against Germany]?

"It's always going to create debate but, in these moments, we have got to back our best, most experienced players, unless we are in a situation where it's almost untenable or impossible to pick them."

Maguire was pressed on his return to form at several stages throughout the tournament. He knows exactly what it will take to be handed more game-time at United when the domestic season restarts this month with their League Cup meeting against Championship side Burnley.

Ultimately, though, he finds himself in a position to do so after being publicly backed by Southgate and Erik ten Hag over these last months. Maguire said: "I've not hidden away from the last year.

"It's been difficult, but I always knew and I had great belief in myself that I'd find my form and regain my confidence and my focus. I'm really happy that it happened at the biggest tournament. Now, I feel in a good place. I feel good mentally and I feel good physically."

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