The Man United captain stepped onto the pitch for the first time in about a month and a half in the Three Lions’ group stage game.
Harry Maguire was delighted to return to action after a spell on the sidelines due to an ankle injury he suffered last month.
Maguire slotted beside John Stones in the heart of the England defense against the Czech Republic on Tuesday.
There were some questions marks regarding the defender’s inclusion in the starting XI, about his match fitness and whether he would be able to last the entire match.
Maguire, though, put in a solid, confident display at the back while also showed some effectiveness in ball distribution.
“I’ve been out of action for six and a half weeks now and it’s been tough,” he told BBC Radio 5Live.
“It’s been tough to watch, I don’t like watching football matches so to be back on the pitch is something I love doing, and to be at Wembley in the first time for me playing in a European Championships, it’s a good feeling and it’s all the hard work that I’ve put in that I’ve been able to play 90 minutes.”
England went through to the knockout stages of Euro 2020 last night after beating the Czech Republic 1-0 and topping Group D.
Maguire added: “It’s not all perfect and we can improve but you can’t argue with seven points from three games. It’s great from the lads.
“The pressure was on to win the group and we’ve managed to do that. Now it’s to look forward to the knockouts and keep striving to improve.”
Be sure not to miss out on the latest news about Harry Maguire
Download our brand new App and follow your favorite players, clubs, and much more
