Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has urged England manager Gareth Southgate to assess whether Manchester United centre-back Harry Maguire is mentally prepared for the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
The pundit concurred with criticism of Maguire's performance in his national outfit's 3-3 draw with Germany in the UEFA Nations League on Monday.
The centre-half lost possession in the box and gave away a penalty to Germany after a clumsy challenge on Jamal Musiala. Ilkay Gundogan capitalized on the England international's mistake and found the back of the net from the spot.
Carragher wrote in his column for The Telegraph (via TEAMtalk):
“Unfortunately for Maguire, we may already be at that stage. Criticism of his performance against Germany is valid and justified. And Southgate must assess if Maguire is mentally right for a World Cup, able to show he can put all the issues behind him."
He added:
“In the past, it is something Maguire has struggled with. How can the manager make such a big call before the opening game against Iran unless Maguire is playing for his club?”
Maguire had a poor 2021/22 season with Manchester United despite registering 30 appearances in the Premier League. The former Leicester City defender has been unstable at the back for the Red Devils amid a steep decline in form that began last campaign.
United manager Erik ten Hag has largely favored Lisandro Martinez over the England international this term, exacerbating his struggles. Maguire has only featured in five games across all competitions for Manchester United this season.
Carragher defends Southgate's decision to start Manchester United defender in Nations League games
The former Reds defender advised Southgate to re-evaluate Harry Maguire's place in England's starting XI for the World Cup. However, he still defended the Three Lions manager's decision to start the Manchester United centre-back against Italy and Germany.
Carragher wrote in the aforementioned Telegraph column:
"It is understandable Gareth Southgate stood by him for the Italy and Germany games. I agreed with that decision. He needed to have a close look at him and see if he could get him up to speed having played so little for United."
He added:
Vahabilmou
0
You can be using a calamity Maguire but can’t use Trent to create things for you? Southgate is really on a drug
Mebacoy
0
You Mean Counseling, No Ways Send Him To Greece For Street Fight. The Price Tag Is Pendulum Is Ticking In Front Of His Eyes. Very Poor Player In History Of England Team 😜😜😜
Yicdiknpsu
2
This Donkey is talking too much as if he was a good player (Mr Own Goal)
Kawbeiors
0
Mr Jamie sir u must be taking weeds.
Suubdlnuz
1
you have Ben White, you have Coady, you have Tomori, you have Dier now..etc...
Sosst
0
Sure he cant possibly be all there at the moment He is human.Im sure its hard taking such criticism but he wouldnt be getting it if he would do better.I think he should be benched for the rest of the international games.I think man u should consider making some $ off of him while they still can🤷🏽♂️Good luck maguire,bad times dont last forever but strong people do💡💡💡💡
Limbimnpst
0
ask them ooooooooo
EmeraldJ
4
When you guys were pushing him as the best to Manchester United, did you check his mental health? When your racism made you mount pressure on Ole to make him captain and play him always ahead of Baily, did you consider his mental condition? He was causing Man U lots of pains yet you guys claimed the coaches didn't know how to use him. Now, its England and World Cup and suddenly you remember mental evaluation? Lord MAGUIRE is fine as he has always been oh