Harry Maguire has revealed that he is close with England teammate John Stones despite the club’s rivalry between the pair.
Maguire and the Stones operate at the heart of defense together during the 2018 World Cup in Russia, and could become the first choice for Gareth Southgate at this summer’s European Championships.
Both have been able to put the rivalry between their clubs, Manchester United and City, on the international side, with Maguire describing his compatriot as a “good friend”.
What has been said
The Stones fell back in favor of Pep Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium before forcing the Stones to regain their best form at City in 2020-21.
Maguire is happy to see the 28-year-old bounce back and prove his eligibility, and on Sunday in a press conference ahead of World Cup qualifying the Three Lions clash with Albania said: “We are always away from football.” good friend. I grew up with him, I was playing against him when he was at Barnsley.
“We are not far from each other where we really grew up and live and come. When you play back center, especially in the week, there are some ups and downs in the week, you’re going down some Yes, you are making a mistake.
“You are not going through your entire career without making mistakes for goals, so when you play in the Premier League, you get scrutinized, so you hope.
“It’s about how strong you are mentally and how you can get through it. I’m happy to see John. He’s playing back and playing with confidence, playing really well . For myself, I feel exactly the same. “
Maguire added on the support given to each other on the pitch: “We talked to each other many times where it’s tough. We talked when it was hard and we talk when it’s going well . I am close with John as I say. I want him to be possible even without winning a football match.
Maguire and Stones England records
Maguire was handed his first senior appearance for England in 2017, when he was on the books for Leicester City, and has since scored 30 goals, two goals for his country.
Stone, meanwhile, has been a full-fledged Three Lions international since 2014, initially breaking into the squad during his time at Everton. The City star has appeared in 40 matches for England and has two goals to his name.
The bigger picture
United and City supporters would have no qualms about having such a tight bond on Maguire and the Stones, as long as they could bring England’s success under Southgate in the years to come.
Both men will be in the queue to perform against Albania, where a win would extend the 100 percent start of the Three Lions in Group I.
Southgate’s side will then proceed to return to Old Trafford and the Stones’ Etihad Stadium with Maguire on Wednesday before a meeting with Poland.
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