England midfielder Kalvin Phillips has claimed that Manchester City star John Stones and Manchester United captain Harry Maguire have "the best centre-half partnership in the tournament" ahead of their quarter-final clash with France on Saturday.
Maguire has been superb for England during their time in Qatar, with the United defender looking to show Erik ten Hag what he can offer the Dutchman after a lacklustre season for the club. The former Leicester City man has been pivotal for Gareth Southgate's side, as they made it into the last eight teams left in the competition.
Stones has been ever-present alongside Maguire with the pair forming a formidable partnership. England have kept three clean sheets in their four matches so far, only conceding two goals all tournament - both coming in their opening 6-2 win over Iran.
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Phillips was recently asked about the criticism that Maguire has faced this season, as the City star stated that the 29-year-old deserved more respect than he was getting.
He said: "We are 100% behind him. I know he's not played as much football as he would have liked this season and he gets a lot of stick, which I think is very undeserved.
"He is a top professional and a great footballer. All you have to do is watch him in a major tournament for England and see he is one of the top defenders. He has been for England for a long, long time.
"When we need to block or someone needs to make a challenge, he is always the first one to do it. He has scored some very important goals as well. He has been mocked quite a lot but he is the first person to go to if anything bad happens in this team."
Phillips was also asked about City teammate Stones, as he not only praised his fellow Blue, but also lauded the partnership that both he and Maguire have as the best in the competition.
He said: "For me, he's one of the best centre-halves in the world. I'm not just saying that because he's my friend or plays for Manchester City. He's brought the form he has at City to England.
He's one of the best centre-halves when we're attacking as well. He is so composed and confident on the ball. His partnership with Harry Maguire - they understand each other and feed off each other. As of now, it's probably the best centre-half partnership in the tournament."
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