Harry Maguire has described the 2018 World Cup as an 'amazing time' in his career as England prepare for their first game of Qatar 2022.
The Manchester United centre-back, at the time a Leicester City player, was instrumental in the Three Lions' success at the 2018 tournament, forming part of a solid defensive line which helped Gareth Southgate's side reach the semi-finals in their best World Cup showing since 1966.
Maguire has endured a torrid couple of years at Old Trafford, with his declining form leading many to question whether the 29-year-old should even be included in the England squad this time around.
Ultimately, however, Southgate stayed loyal to arguably the most consistent player of his reign as England manager, and Maguire says he is relishing the opportunity to represent England on the global stage once more.
“Yeah, [the 2018 World Cup was] an amazing time in my career,” Maguire told Manchester United's official website. “[It was] a time where I probably took the next step in terms of playing in the big games, in the big matches.
“[The] Tunisia game, the first game of the tournament is always one that I really remember well. We know how important the first game is: get the three points and it sets you off nicely. And to do it in the last minute and for me to get an assist for it as well [was amazing].
“But it was a great memory all the way through [the 2018 World Cup]. I think the fans [and] the atmosphere that it was creating in the country was amazing to see.”
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“It’s the biggest tournament in the world for me. It’s watched globally by everybody.
“The build-up [and] the intensity of the World Cup, not just on the pitch but around it, you really feel it. You know how important it is and how much it means to every fan and every person in the country.
“It’s an amazing experience, and one that I’m looking forward to.”
England kick off their bid for World Cup glory against Iran on Monday afternoon and will be keen to get a win before tricky clashes with the USA and Wales.
Source : 90min