Western Daily Press (Saturday)
Maguire hailed by defensive partner
He’s been terrific in all three matches thus far, says Three Lions colleague Stones
JOHN Stones is proud of the way that England defensive partner Harry Maguire has drowned out the noise over his poor form to shine at the World Cup.
Maguire has endured a tough start to the Premier League season and the Manchester United skipper found himself out of the side at Old Trafford in the weeks leading up to the finals.
Even his place in boss Gareth Southgate’s 26-man squad was questioned in some quarters, but Maguire remains one of his first picks. Stones has always had Maguire’s back – the pair having first played against one another at the age of nine – and previously spoke about how they exchange texts with their friendship crossing the Manchester football divide.
Maguire has been in fine form in England’s opening three games and Stones hailed the performances of the 29 year-old.
“I think right from the first game the best response is what he’s been doing,” the Manchester City centreback said. “All three games that he’s played in have been terrific and it’s about us finding that partnership again, whoever we play with, and I think we have done in these games.
“Now it’s time to keep building, keep improving and that’s great credit to him. I spoke at length on Harry before and there were lots of questions I got asked.
“Playing with someone for so many games at England, been through so many moments with him, knowing what he’s been going through at his club as well and the person that he is, I think it speaks volumes about him to come through that and still believe in himself like I