Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Guardian Nigeria
Published on 2024-03-22 08:32:13
Harry Maguire has expressed his support for Gareth Southgate to continue as the England manager beyond Euro 2024, amidst rumors linking Southgate to Manchester United. Southgate’s contract with the England national team expires at the end of the year, and negotiations for a new deal to lead the team until the 2026 World Cup are ongoing.
Speculation has arisen suggesting that Southgate could potentially move to Old Trafford to take charge of Manchester United, a move that would reunite him with defender Harry Maguire. Despite the possibility that Southgate could replace Erik ten Hag at United, Maguire emphasized his desire for Southgate to stay on as the England boss for the foreseeable future.
Maguire praised Southgate’s impact since taking over as England manager, crediting him for the team’s significant progress under his leadership. With the Euros approaching, Southgate is focused on leading England in his fourth major tournament, hoping to secure the country’s first men’s major trophy since the 1966 World Cup.
While the expectation for England is to win the Euros, Maguire acknowledged the challenges of tournament football and the potential need for penalty shootouts to secure victory. He highlighted the team’s readiness to compete at the highest level and emphasized the importance of mental preparation for decisive moments in matches.
Throughout his tenure, Southgate has shown unwavering support for Maguire, even during challenging times when the defender faced setbacks at Manchester United and with the national team. Maguire credited Southgate for his belief in him and his role in helping him regain confidence and form on the pitch.
Looking ahead to England’s upcoming friendlies against Brazil and Belgium, Maguire expressed gratitude for Southgate’s trust and encouragement, noting the positive impact it has had on his performance. He emphasized the importance of having a manager who believes in his players and provides the necessary support to help them succeed.
In conclusion, Harry Maguire’s endorsement of Gareth Southgate reflects the strong rapport between player and manager within the England national team. Despite the uncertainty surrounding Southgate’s future, Maguire’s support for his continued tenure highlights the positive influence Southgate has had on the team’s progress and the individual development of players like Maguire. As England prepares for the Euros, the team is united in its goal of achieving success under Southgate’s guidance.
