Harry Maguire silenced his England critics as Gareth Southgate's Three Lions started their World Cup campaign with a 6-2 win over Iran. Previously a regular for both club and country, Erik ten Hag's appointment as Manchester United manager in the summer resulted in the centre-back losing his place in the team.
Now behind summer addition Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane in the pecking order, Maguire's spot in the England squad has been a big talking point over the past few months due to his lack of minutes. Handed a huge show of faith from Southgate in England's Nations League games in September, the 29-year-old was in the headlines after a poor showing at the back in the 3-3 draw with Germany.
Part of a back three including John Stones and Tottenham man Eric Dier, the latter's recall to the squad for the first time in 16 months appeared that it could be bad news for Maguire in regards to the starting XI. Despite coming into the tournament with only three Premier League starts to his name, the ex-Sheffield United man was named in the side for their World Cup opener against Iran.
