Maguire needs to reach out — Neville
FORMER England defender Gary Neville has urged Harry Maguire to see a psychologist to help him through his slump in form.
Maguire was at fault for two of the goals England conceded in Monday’s 3-3 draw against Germany, casting further doubt on his international future and increasing calls for the centre back to be dropped for the World Cup.
‘I’ve been there,’ said Neville. ‘Every player has. When I lost my confidence, I saw a psychologist to help me through those moments.
‘But there’s nothing you can do other than show up, try your best and not give in.
‘At some point, his form will return. I would suggest he does what I did. I did go and see my doctor at Manchester United. I did go and see a psychologist. You do need external help at times.’
England boss Gareth Southgate held heart-to-heart talks for around five minutes with Maguire in the Wembley tunnel on Monday night after the 29-year-old’s latest error-strewn display.
Southgate has given Maguire his unequivocal backing by starting him against Germany and in Italy last Friday, as well as publicly backing him more than once — a theme that continued on Monday.
Southgate said: ‘I know everybody says he’s important to me, he’s important to us! It’s us. It’s not me. Why do we pick him? Because he’s one of the players who gives us the best chance of winning.
‘We should all be wanting a Harry Maguire who’s playing regularly and with confidence.
‘That applies to quite a few players but he’s the one everything lands on which must be a tough space for him. But he’s showing tremendous character.’
Having lost his place in the United starting XI under Erik ten Hag, the prospect of Maguire playing regularly between now and the World Cup appears small. Nevertheless, all the indications are that Southgate will keep faith with him in Qatar.
Maguire is waiting for news on the extent of a muscular injury he suffered on Monday. John Stones, who sustained a hamstring injury, is back with Manchester City and will continue to be assessed.
Maguire also faces the prospect of a trial in the Greek courts. His appeal against his conviction and suspended jail sentence over a holiday brawl is set for June 7 on the island of Syros.
‘He was found guilty in 2020 of assaulting a police officer and attempted bribery after an incident on the Greek island.
Maguire was given a sentence of 21 months and 10 days, suspended for three years, but the appeal nullified his conviction and triggered a full retrial.
Southgate and his No 2 Steve Holland flew to Austria yesterday to watch a 1-1 friendly draw between England’s first World Cup group opponents, Iran, and Senegal, who they could meet in the last 16.
They also had representatives in Spain to watch the USA, their second opponents in Group B, draw 0-0 with Saudi Arabia.