Manchester City defender John Stones has revealed how close a bond he has with Harry Maguire, as he defended the Manchester United captain's inclusion in England's World Cup squad.
After Erik ten Hag confirmed during pre-season that Maguire would remain as United's captain for the upcoming campaign, a fair few eyebrows were raised.
The arrival of Lisandro Martinez at Old Trafford has seen the former Leicester City man fall down the defensive pecking order, as Raphael Varane's growing partnership with the Argentine continued to impress on the pitch. An injury to the Frenchman appeared to open the door for Maguire, but Ten Hag looks to prefer Victor Lindelof to the 29-year-old, whenever the Swedish defender is available.
Southgate's inclusion of Maguire in his World Cup squad has caused plenty of scrutiny over whether the United defender deserved to go to Qatar having played so few minutes for his club. On the five occasions that the former Leicester City man has played a full 90 minutes for the Reds this season, his side have conceded nine goals.
But Stones has defended his compatriot, revealing how strong a connection the duo have on the pitch together.
The City defender said: "When I look at Harry, I see a partner. Through all our experiences he's had my back and I've had his. We've had so many games together, we've made a bond and a partnership together. We know what the other person is going to do and how we work best together. It clicks.
"Whatever team or whatever system Gareth decides, if it's me and Harry we will use those bonds again. They are too strong to be broken by game time, form, whatever it is. That kind of goes out the window when these moments hit."
3Cassian3Caesar3
2
We know Maguire can Stone anyone π€£
Dunbdkpryz
0
What could go wrong. Comedy of events at this world cup πππ
Sosst
0
I can see maguire back at Leicester next season
Chrixanthony
2
Your partner in writing horror movie in the field
riyabmopyz
0
I just imagine Maguire playing against Messiπππ€¦ββοΈ
ClemJay
0
This partnership will be exposed soonest
Jedabdpuy
4
A player who claims a penalty for the opponent team is called Maguire. And by just having him on the team is like jumping out from 30,000feet plane without parachute but hoping to be alive.
helkath
2
That Northgate has always been clueless. He just added Maguire to avoid having many blacks in the team.... gave Grealish β7 jersey and Saka, who is also the nation's player of the year, is wearing 17. I pity any black man that swaps his country for England
zibdiopsty
1
ππ birds if the feathers, you all useless
lacho2021
1
G.Southgate or Northgate explain how on would you selected someone who has just played half of the season game the hospital team and the other who has been busy drinking water on the bench and leave players like Tyler Mings, Ivan Tone and Tammy Abraham.. England will not reach quarter finals if you get lucky you will go has far has round of 16....
Yicdiknpsu
0
Marguire will disgrace England, i don't know why Tomori was called to replace him. he has an will never be a world class . Southgate needs to be invistigated
Tomori must go represent his origin country
yeteikorst
2
And yet Maguire was pathetic in recent International matches.
jukaekmpyz
1
England's demise being planned
Bizabemsuy
1
Marguire will disgrace England, i don't know why Tomori was called to replace him. he has an will never be a world class . Southgate needs to be invistigated
JeffreyEse
4
π The partner π
Ponsheme
2
Harry maguire