When Harry Maguire was selected for the World Cup squad, many fans questioned Gareth Southgate's decision.
The 29-year-old had lost his starting spot at Manchester United to Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane, and was still in poor form. But given how he had played for England in the past, Southgate decided he still could be relied on in Qatar.
Maguire was selected ahead of Serie A winner Fikayo Tomori which many fans couldn't understand but Maguire has repaid his manager's confidence in him with a number of outstanding performances.
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And Maguire's performances have impressed former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson. The ex-Blackburn shot-stopper stated: "Harry Maguire and Jordan Henderson have shocked me the most, you look at the way they've both adapted and played in this tournament, it's outstanding. Maguire was our player of the group stages, and in the Senegal game, Henderson was excellent."
Now England will be hoping that Maguire can continue his good form against France to help the team progress to the semi-finals.
Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele will provide a lot of thread on the ground which plays against Maguire's weaknesses, but his strengths should help him to deal with the aerial threat of Olivier Giroud.
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