Harry Maguire has criticized the “ridiculous” criticism directed at England for their Euro 2024 performances. Despite reaching their second consecutive European Championship final in Germany, England lost 2-1 to Spain in Berlin, with Mikel Oyarzabal scoring a late winner and securing Spain’s record fourth European title.
The team faced significant scrutiny, particularly directed at manager Gareth Southgate, whose tactics and team selection were heavily criticized. This criticism was so intense that plastic pint cups were thrown at Southgate following a goalless draw with Slovenia in the group stages.
Southgate has since stepped down from his role, and Maguire, a key player under Southgate, defended his former manager in an interview with BBC Sport. He questioned whether the expectations from the media and fans were realistic, saying, “The criticism was a bit ridiculous. Yes, performances might not have been amazing, but it’s tournament football, which is less expansive and involves fewer risks. There weren’t many high-scoring games throughout the tournament.”
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Maguire expressed confusion over what the media and fans expected, asking if they thought England would breeze through the tournament with easy wins.
Maguire, who missed the final Euro 2024 squad due to a muscle injury, spoke to Sky Sports about the personal challenge of not participating. “It was probably the toughest moment in my career,” he admitted. “I had worked hard all year to be in top form for the end of the season and the Euros. To face such a setback with the injury was incredibly difficult for me.”