Harry Maguire was in brilliant form when talking to the media yesterday.
The England defender spoke eloquently about his passion when singing the national anthem, why there is a new belief they can win the World Cup and even text messages from Erik ten Hag to congratulate him on his performances.
If there is one player who is transformed when he joins up with England, then it is Maguire.
Whatever is going on at Manchester United, that just seems to be forgotten when he pulls on the Three Lions shirt.
“I am just super proud every time I sing that anthem. It is one of the proudest moments of my life. You can’t really explain the feeling. You are focused, nervous and excited. You have butterflies but for sure, I’ll be ready to go,” said Maguire.
The Maguire transformation is actually a really heart warming story. And one for which Gareth Southgate deserves so much credit.
England boss Southgate’s man management and his treatment of Maguire in particular has been quite extraordinary.
From phone calls to text messages, staying in regular contact. When he has been down in the dumps and not playing for United, Southgate has been there.
In return, you get a player who is ready to run through brick walls for his manager and it’s little wonder that Maguire has played so well in Qatar.
While there were boos at Wembley - probably because of club rivalries - there have been fans singing his name in Doha.
That is the difference also between Wembley and the hardcore fans in Doha who come all this way to support the team.
Maguire has been inspired by them and it’s great that we are getting a revised version of the boy-next-door story of four years ago when the England fans loved the centre half because he was one of them. An England fan, living the dream and playing for his country.
It should also reinforce what we know about Southgate already. He’s the best man for this job. There were bad results in the summer, it feels like we might be entering the final chapter of his reign as England boss.
But there is no-one better to take over than Southgate. His treatment of Maguire and man management of issues like Raheem Sterling only goes to prove that.
Let’s be clear… if your house is broken into, if your property and privacy violated, I challenge anyone not to be traumatised or upset and he deserves credit for going home to support his family.
Again, Southgate let him go, will welcome him back into the frame and it’s more good man management from the England boss.
Never take for granted a human touch, being nice and treating people with kindness and respect.
That is exactly what Southgate does to get the best out of his players.
