Harry Maguire reveals how he blocks out ‘scrutiny’ to perform for England and is ready to ‘fight’ for his Manchester United spot after World Cup resurgence

Harry Maguire has told talkSPORT how he blocks out criticism to perform for England and hopefully return to Manchester United’s line-up.

Maguire has started every one of England’s so far successful 2022 World Cup matches, keeping two clean sheets in three games to help the side into the knockouts.

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That’s a stark contrast to his club form, where the Man United captain has dropped out of favour under Erik ten Hag, becoming a back-up option behind Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez.

Maguire has had to endure plenty of criticism for a poor run of form as the world’s most expensive defender, but has to block it out in order to perform for England.

“First and foremost I listen to the people I should listen to,” he said. “My family and my friends, the coaches, the managers I have.

“I listen to my teammates as well and I know how valued I am in this team, I know what the staff think of me in this team and the role I have in this team so that builds confidence and trust.”

Maguire also said it’s not just him who struggles, with a number of England colleagues facing extra attention.

“I heard a few things Trent [Alexander-Arnold] said and I think for sure he’s been in the same boat for the last couple of years,” he said.

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“I think it’s not just Trent, I look through our squad and I think it’s pretty much all English defenders in the Premier League.

“The level of scrutiny that they get, the level of analysis on each goal, I think we analyse each goal so much in the Premier League now that there’s always someone at fault.”

The 29-year-old, who joined United from Leicester for £80million in 2019, was also particularly honest about his situation at Old Trafford, but he won’t give up the fight.

“I’m in good form, I’m really happy with how the group stages have gone,” he said. “Actually in the last few games for Manchester United I’ve played well in them.

“I won both my last two games against West Ham and Aston Villa but I’ve found myself out of the team due to the centre backs there playing well.

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“They’re excellent players so we have a good strength in depth in that central defence at my club but I’m going to fight to get back into the team because I don’t like not playing.”

Part of Maguire’s value to England has been his threat from set pieces.

He now has seven goals for the Three Lions in 51 games, with two coming in major tournaments.

He commented: “Talking about goals I’ve scored in 2018 and in the Euros, they were both in the knockout stages so fingers crossed I can get one in this World Cup and win the game as that’s the most important thing.”