Manchester United have been told they have a vital role to play in steering Harry Maguire back to calmer waters after being subject to more heavy criticism while on England duty.
Having started the first two Premier League games this season - when United were soundly beaten - Maguire has since been dropped by Erik ten Hag with Raphael Varane and summer signing Lisandro Martinez now preferred as first choice at centre-back. Despite that, Maguire was trusted to start for England against Italy and Germany in two Nations League matches during the international break.
Italy sentenced Maguire and his teammates to relegation on Friday night as they ran out 1-0 winners. It prompted backlash for the collective - including Maguire - who was then at fault for the Germany opener at Wembley on Monday night.
On this occasion, giving away a penalty did not cost England overall, as that conversion from Ilkay Gundogan was followed by five more goals in a thriller beneath the famous arch. It finished 3-3 in what was their last game before England's impending World Cup finals in Qatar.
So what can United do to bolster England's chances in that unique winter showcase?
Speaking about Maguire while on Channel 4 punditry duties, former England playmaker Joe Cole said: "I think the next six weeks are a really important time in Harry Maguire's career, because we know he's a quality player. We've seen him do it for England and he's been incredible for England over the years.
"He's obviously in a low point in his career. Every day over these six weeks is an opportunity to build his confidence up and the people around him and everything and perform. But one thing we must never forget on the big stage at tournaments, he's been outstanding for England and the next six weeks are vital for him to get up to speed."
CLANO
179
Maguire be like an assist is an assist doesn't matter who I assisted
phulara
82
🚨 Ibrahimovic: I'm a lion but after watching Maguire I became a cat 🚨 Mbappe: I ran with the ball Maguire was far behind me before I could reach the 18 yard box he's already infront waiting for me 🚨 Messi: I refused to come to the Premier league because of Harry Maguire 🚨 Neymar: he's the toughest defender I've ever faced 🚨 Pep Guardiola: if Defence was an art, Maguire will be the Picasso of it 🚨 Sergio Ramos: people say I'm the best defender in the world, but after watching Maguire I realise they were smoking weed. 🚨 Cristiano Ronaldo: he's probably the best centre back I've ever played with, the way he stretches his leg to tap-in an Own goal is so unbelievable 🚨 De Gea: whenever I have Maguire infront of me I'm always speechless, he's unbelievable 🚨 Lindelof: he's the best defence partnership I've ever played with, we contributed a lot of goals together 🚨 Haaland: i would love to play against United, but if Maguire will play I'll fake an injury 🚨 Graham Potter: he's a very generous person, he doesn't care what side he's playing on, he just score for everybody 🚨 Paolo Maldini: in my prime I wasn't even close to Maguire 🚨 Pele: if Maguire had played in the 90's with me I wouldn't have scored up to 50 goals 🚨 Ronaldinho: the toughest defender I've come across was Maldini and Pepe but after watching Maguire I realise i was wrong 🚨 Phil Jones: he's my role model, he thought me alot in the defence acadamy 🚨 Eden Hazard: I ran away from the Premier league cuz of him ❌ Harry Maguire will be back soon we are definitely gonna experience those fine defending again😂💪
dominant-S
47
time for English board to reconsider Chris Smalling
naushadsmith
45
bench maguire united win , starting maguire united lose then being called by SG, then England lose again
Caesar2210
19
🚨We have nothing to offer him at United. What’s left for him to do is to look for another club🤷🏾♂️