Jordan Pickford has called for Harry Maguire to be shown more respect after the Manchester United centre-half again proved his value to the England team.
Pickford and Maguire have a long-standing relationship in an England defence that has been the foundation of their progress over the past two tournaments.
And while Maguire’s club form has slumped to such an extent where he is struggling to get a starting place under Erik ten Hag, the Manchester United skipper remains an automatic choice of Gareth Southgate.
At times, the criticism of Maguire - particularly on social media - has verged on ridicule but Pickford believes his defensive team-mate has the character to rise above it.
Pickford said: “Part of being a footballer is being criticised, as everyone gets criticised in football, but of course he needs to be respected a lot more.
“But Harry is mentally strong and takes it really well. I think it’s a bit unfair but his performances on the pitch show why he has so many caps for England and is captain of Man United.”
Indeed, Maguire was a towering figure in England’s 6-2 hammering of Iran on. Monday before having to leave the field 20 minutes before time through sickness.
Pickford confirmed Maguire has quickly recovered - “he was involved in training and is fine” - and is raring to go ahead of the showdown with the United States.
“Harry has done unbelievable,” Pickford went on. “There was a pass for the first goal, then the assist with the set-piece and he maybe could have got us a penalty.
“Myself and Harry have a great relationship. The majority of my caps have been with Harry playing in front of me and we work really well together. Our defensive record with Harry playing there is really good as well and he is in a very good moment.”
Clearly, on the back of that emphatic opening victory, Maguire is not the only one in a good moment. In that victory over Iran, England had 13 attempts on goal, seven of which were on target, six of which were goals.
And every day, Pickford gets first-hand experience of how lethal England’s attacking play can be. He said: “They are unbelievable - each and every one of them. If we are doing shooting drills, attacking drills, they are ruthless.
“Sometimes, you can’t save them but you are up against the best so when you do save them you feel good about yourself and you have a buzz. Top strikers in the world like Harry Kane and Marcus Rashford get the best out of you really.”
After a precautionary scan on an ankle knock, Kane is fit to play in England’s second game. And once again, Pickford paid tribute to the way Kane leads this group of England players, saying: “Harry is an unbelievable player, he sets the example in the squad, he’s a leader, he’s the captain and we all look up to him.”
