Harry Maguire took centre stage when England announced their line-up for the World Cup opener with Iran at the Khalifa International Stadium, but after 90-plus minutes were up Manchester United had been handed the blueprint that they needed to rejuvenate their £80million captain.
Despite slipping behind Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof in the defensive pecking order since Erik ten Hag was appointed as manager at Old Trafford in the summer, Maguire was backed by Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate. He not only made their 26-man squad, but was also named in the starting XI on Monday afternoon to face Iran in their opening encounter in Group B.
Given his domestic struggles - or at least lack of game-time - it was one selection that raised eyebrows pre-match, but Maguire went on to completely justify that selection. He struck the crossbar with a header and also provided an assist for Bukayo Saka as England stormed to a 6-2 victory in their eye-catching Group B opener.
