Wayne Rooney has predicted that Harry Maguire will enjoy another strong showing for England in an international tournament, adding that the addition of Casemiro could help bring the best out of the Manchester United captain.
There were some voices of protest when the United defender was named in the 26-man England squad for the World Cup. Though Maguire’s club form has depleted significantly over the last 18 months, he has always remained an important player for the Three Lions.
The centre-back was crucial in the run to the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup and was even better in last summer’s Euros, being named in the Team of the Tournament. Though his struggles at United threatened to seep into his performances for England during the recent Nations League fixture with Germany, Rooney believes Maguire will enjoy another great tournament.
“I think Harry Maguire will have another big tournament. He has performed better for England than he has for United — I think he would agree — and over the last couple of years United have struggled,” he wrote in The Times.
“He hasn’t had much protection and it is no coincidence that now there is more stability in the middle of the pitch with Casemiro, United’s defenders are playing better. With England, he has always had that protection.”
England begin their World Cup campaign against Iran on Monday, November 21.
