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Joe Cole claims Harry Maguire is on par with England’s greats after Germany victory


Maguire impressed at Wembley on Tuesday (Picture: Getty Images)

Joe Cole has claimed Harry Maguire has reached a similar level to England’s greats following his man of the match display in Tuesday’s Euro 2020 last-16 win over Germany.

The Manchester United captain picked up an ankle injury on club duty on May 9, which forced him to miss England’s first two group stage matches at this summer’s delayed tournament.

But since his return to action in the final group game against Czech Republic, Maguire has been imperious in defence for the Three Lions.

The defender was named man of the match (Picture: Getty Images)

The 28-year-old excelled as Gareth Southgate’s side beat the Germans in a knockout tie at a major tournament for the first time in 55 years.

He won countless duels and brought the ball forward on plenty of occasions, while also proving to be a threat in the opposition’s box.

And former Chelsea and Three Lions winger Cole feels Maguire is now up there with the majority of England’s all-time greats in his position.

When pushed for his man of the match against Germany, Cole told JOE: ‘I’m going to go with Harry Maguire. I’ve met Harry a few times, never played with him, played against him, recognised the talent early on, recognised the character early on. I thought he’d become a big player for England.

‘I think Harry Maguire stands next to the likes of Tony Adams and Terry Butcher for me now. A leader, but not only that, he gets a lot of stick in the media, he’s at Manchester United but he isn’t at Manchester United of the nineties or noughties. He’s leading that team.

‘There was a moment in that game where the crowd started singing his name, his chest puffed out, Germany were applying pressure. putting balls in the box.

‘He was pushing players out of the way to go and put his head there and defend things.

‘It was like you were watching a prime Tony Adams, a prime John Terry, a prime Rio Ferdinand. I’m talking the greats.

‘We can’t put him next to Bobby Moore because he hasn’t lifted any silverware yet.

‘But, he’s standing next to them (aforementioned).

‘I was watching him and you can only be inspired.’


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