With Leicester City’s £17m signing Harry Maguire off to a flyer this campaign, the Sheffield born centre back has high ambitions to play for his country come Russia next summer – an aspiration that is certainly achievable after this impressive start at his new club.
Maguire has made an instantaneous impact in the royal blue of Leicester with a goal and assist already to his name, should he remain consistent for Shakespeare’s men he may soon find himself in the three lions shirt of England.
Although Maguire couldn’t save Hull from relegation from the Premier League last season, he was a fundamental asset to the Tigers and gained some well-deserved ovation from Tiger’s fans and England supporters alike. He was frequently finding himself analysed on Saturday nights in Match of The Day, whilst also becoming noticed by England selectors and Southgate at the back of last season – yet due to injury, he was unable to even contend for a place in the national side.
Undoubtedly, in the current state of the footballing transfer market, Maguire must be considered as one of the best signings by Premier League clubs this summer – in terms of value for money and his excellence on the field. Maguire’s perfectly timed tackles and his remarkable composure in possession makes him a perfect sculpture for a Premier League centre half. Having watched him at Hull last season and his opening games for City, his confidence on the ball is something which is hard to find in a centre back.
With the ball at his feet, Maguire almost looks like a midfielder as he strides out from the back picking out a team mate in a more adventurous position. Sometimes, Harry finds himself on the edge of the opposition box, as was the case against Brighton on Saturday, when he went onto win his team a free kick in a dangerous position. Alongside his composure and tenacity going forward, the ease he shrugs of opposing attackers and his reliance in the air makes Maguire a perfect candidate for Southgate’s side.
Maguire said once signing for Leicester ‘Spurs were interested at one point. But I wanted to go somewhere I felt I could make an immediate impact’ and that’s exactly what he’s done so far. He has settled in quickly at Leicester and looks like he’s been a Foxes’ player for years and it is this cool, calm and collected composure that will put him in good stead to be on the plane to Russia.
If Maguire is to find himself on his way to the World Cup then he will have to face of competition from the likes of John Stones, Ben Gibson and Michael Keane alongside the experienced Gary Cahill, Chris Smalling and Phil Jones. However, although he doesn’t have an England cap to his name yet, I’m convinced his time with the national side will come – it’s now just a waiting game, and Harry Maguire’s certainly got time on his side.
Written by Eamon Kitching.
