Former Manchester United man Rio Ferdinand criticized Gareth Southgate’s decision to include Harry Maguire for Euro 2020.
Rio Ferdinand found faults in Gareth Southgate’s decision to include Harry Maguire in the England squad for Euro 2020. The former Manchester United centre-back believes that Maguire’s injury problem will become a big distraction for the team.
Unfortunately, the Red Devils defender sustained an ankle ligament tear during the club’s 3-1 win over Aston Villa in May. After that incident, he was forced to stay out of United’s last few Premier League games along with the crucial Europa League final.
With a whole lot of wingbacks on the roster, Ferdinand is sure that Southgate is going to play with three centre-backs. And he is of the opinion that Maguire should have been given rest in order to provide an opportunity for others.
Ferdinand ranted on the FIVE podcast: “[Southgate] needed another centre-back. This [squad] tells me that he’s going to play three at the back, 100 per cent, definitely playing three at the back.”
“Kyle Walker can play right-centre-half, he can play Reece James at right-centre-half, Luke Shaw [can play] left-centre-half, Tyrone Mings, [John] Stones.”
“Maguire’s not even fit, I wouldn’t even take Maguire. You’re not fit, you’re not going to be fit for ages. It doesn’t make sense.”
“I’ve been in squads where you take players that ain’t fully fit and they don’t normally come and perform, I’m sorry. It happened with Becks (David Beckham), it happened with Wazza (Wayne Rooney)… they’re not themselves.”
“Harry Maguire, as good as he is, he isn’t a Becks and he certainly ain’t a Rooney. I just think you shouldn’t take someone who isn’t 100% fit like that. I don’t care who you are, it’s hard to come back and get into a rhythm.”
“That narrative ends up taking over the squad and it becomes the conversation and a distraction. Do we really need that? It’s pointless I think. Hopefully, he proves me wrong, I would love it if he did.”
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