Rio Ferdinand explains difference between Harry Maguire's England and Manchester United performances

Rio Ferdinand has explained the key difference for Harry Maguire when he plays for England instead of Manchester United.

Maguire has struggled for games since Erik ten Hag arrived at United. The centre-back started the campaign as first-choice but was soon dropped in favour of a partnership between Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane.

In Varane's absence, Victor Lindelof was picked ahead of Maguire meaning that the 29-year-old made just nine competitive appearances before the World Cup. Despite this, Gareth Southgate opted to select the former Sheffield United man for the England squad.

His decision was criticised at the time however Maguire's performances so far for the Three Lions have been impressive in Qatar. Ahead of Tuesday's clash with Wales, Ferdinand explained the difference in style which benefits the defender when on international duty.

He said on BBC One: "He was (England’s best player vs USA). He got his 50th cap in that game, and I think there’s been a lot of criticism levelled at him.

"Some justification in terms of a Man United shirt but for England he’s been supreme, in tournament football especially. At times it (criticism) is over the top but the difference (between Man United and England form) is here.

"Seven corners went into the box (vs USA), he headed out five. That shows you the dominance he has and one of the good big reasons he’s in this team.

"Not only that in terms of heading balls and clearing things, his distribution, taking the ball, very much a part of his game that comes out (with England) and you see the good side of him. He’s looked so comfortable and composed in an England shirt at this level so far that you hope that it continues.

"In a Man United team the centre-backs need to be 10 yards inside the opposition half which creates more space in between them and the goalkeeper to expose one of the weaknesses in his ability which is his pace. For England, he gets protected a little bit, you have to do that with certain players, but it helps him, and he definitely then flourishes."