Leicester City’s Harry Maguire emerges as England leader

A disappointing first-half performance by England versus Switzerland at the King Power Stadium sparked internal emotion and outcry at half-time. Leicester City’s Harry Maguire gave his candid assessment to teammates in the dressing room – emerging a squad leader.

During the break from the Premier League and Leicester City, Harry Maguire started twice for England, impressing at Wembley Stadium and the King Power Stadium. Unfortunately, Gareth Southgate’s team lost to Spain – but made amends by defeating Switzerland.

Over those games the tall defender imposed himself on opponents and teammates alike with strong leadership abilities. It is also good to know this young, talented Three Lions squad is not afraid to point out frailties in tactics or shortcomings on the pitch.

After the Swiss match, Sky Sports gave Leicester City’s centre-back a match rating of six. Although, that score is generally given straight after the match without a second view or opinion. With review of the statistics on WhoScored – a side front-runner with 6.74 – a clean sheet and watching repeated highlights: he evidently deserves a seven.

Apparently, much of the England team felt their personal and unit performances were unsatisfactory, especially first-half. Post games, Maguire is now a constant interviewee for national media. He told the assembled journalists how he and a few others essentially emerged as leaders in the dressing room:

"“There were definitely a few words spoken between the boys, all of us, we weren’t happy with the performance at half-time,” Maguire explained.We were giving them a little bit too much respect with the ball, the pressing was bits and bobs, people going and people staying. The gaffer had a stern word with us and the second half was much better.“We struggled early on in the game, but we want to be confident in playing from the back and we did it better in the second half. We want to keep on playing like that, but we do not want to give the ball away and give chances away.”– Harry Maguire (Via: Independent)"

Footballers tend to downplay and only reveal obvious details in this type of interview. Yet, the Sheffield born player is slightly more candid than others. Simply, there will have been some angry, expletive laden statements of disappointment, disagreeing, intent and finger-pointing as a group.

Whatever happened it worked, as the Three Lions won 1-0. Consequently, Maguire became a major influencer – not particularly difficult when you’re six-foot-four and in the form of your life. However, he is softly spoken, articulate and a positive influence; but there’s always someone or some scenario requiring the ‘hairdryer treatment’. As seen on the field of play – Maguire can provide that too.

An obligatory thanks for the support and a special mention for Chilwell on a poignant night for the left-back.

Meteoric rise with Leicester City and England

In little over two years, the former Hull City man has gone from the Championship to premiership to national team permanent fixture to World Cup semi-finalist. Along with global eminence and prominence in his position. Therefore, extra responsibility comes on and off the pitch and socially as a role model. Maguire fits the bill.

Retired footballers also give the Leicester City favourite their respect, as well as astonishment at his ability and achievement.

In addition, Maguire spoke on Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United’s interest during the summer months, to reporters. With the absence of England’s captain Harry Kane, his Spurs teammate Eric Dier was skipper for the evening. It is likely Maguire was high on the list of possible understudies.

Leicester City will look to their main defensive man to provide guidance and example, as they chase maximum points in the domestic league subsequently. Coming up are: Bournemouth, Huddersfield Town and Newcastle United respectively.