Harry Maguire reveals sweet texts from Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag with revitalised ace thriving with England at World Cup

During those first four games for the Three Lions, he has shown some cojones to shrug off the worst spell of his career and hit the ground running as England reach for the stars.

Maguire, preparing for Saturday’s quarter-final against France, said: “I’m 29 years old, the captain of Man Utd and have made 52 appearances for my country, so when I look back on my career, I put everything into perspective.

“I’m living the dream. I’m doing everything I always wanted to do. So for the next stage of my career, I want to start winning trophies.

“The last year has been difficult and I haven’t played as well as I’ve done in the previous five years at the top level.

“But during a career, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are probably the only two who’ve not had a dip.

“It’s a 15-year career, if you’re lucky. There’s no way, especially with all the scrutiny that’s on defences these days, you’re not going to have dips.

“As a player, you want to play. I’ve been used to playing throughout my career.

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“This is the first year that I’ve really sat on a bench in a few games.
“I obviously got an injury as well, a thigh injury that kept me out for four weeks. But I’ll fight to get my place back at United.”;

For Maguire, though, it has not been about silencing his critics — just performing for his country.

He added: “I don’t think that I’ve proved a point out here.

“I was in the Euros team of the tournament so I know what I’m capable of.

“I’ve not hid away from the last year. It’s been difficult, but I always knew and had great belief in myself that I’d find my form and regain my confidence and my focus.

“I’m really happy it’s happened at the biggest tournament.

“Now, I feel in a good place. I feel good mentally, I feel good physically. I feel fresh and I’m just looking forward to a big game on Saturday.”;

Maguire has been showcasing his mental toughness in the Werewolf deception-based card games the Three Lions stars are hooked on playing in Qatar.

And he added: “I’m quite good at psychology to be honest. I’ve needed to be over the last year or so!”;

For Maguire has been forced to deal with some pretty vicious criticism.

Many people — including former players — claimed he should not even have been allowed on the England plane, let alone in the starting line-up.

He added: “I listen to people around me like my family and friends. My team-mates, the staff here.

“I know how valued they see me and I feel it within the camp and squad.

“So that gives me great belief and confidence. I go back to my past memories and performances at tournaments.

“When there is a squad decided or team picked for England, there are always players who ‘shouldn’t be playing’.

“That’s why Gareth has such a hard job, because there’s a lot of talent who could play. It’s about my belief and listening to those around me.”;

Maguire, revealing his texts from Manchester, said: “While I am away, they want me to focus fully on England.

“But I have had a couple of nice texts from them saying how well I’ve performed and congratulations on reaching the quarter-finals. It’s nice.

“I am sure they’ll be watching the games but Erik will be supporting the Oranje army. It is good to feel the support of them.”;

The central defender has excelled for England out here.

And despite being caught out for the first Iranian goal he was immediately substituted as he felt unwell.

Against Senegal, both he and John Stones were guilty of some stray passes but their team’s attacking strength took the opposition apart.

Clearly, France’s 23-year-old superstar Kylian Mbappe will be a different prospect.

Maguire, who will be bursting with pride when the national anthem begins on Saturday, said: “Mbappe is a wonderful player.