Maguire goes viral for briefly morphing into prime Zidane in England World Cup training
Despite the fact he’s really struggled at Manchester United in 2022/23, Harry Maguire is part of England‘s squad for the 2022 World Cup.
Gareth Southgate named the Red Devils captain as one of his centre-backs, along with John Stones, Eric Dier, Conor Coady and Ben White.
Maguire has previously thrived on the international stage. He played a key role in England’s run to the World Cup semi-finals in 2018.
And the former Leicester City man also enjoyed a fantastic Euro 2020 campaign, earning himself a spot in the Team of the Tournament.
As such, Maguire will be one of the first names on Southgate’s team sheet in Qatar, which some fans won’t be too happy about given his form at club level.
But if footage from England’s training camp is anything to go by, the 29-year-old already looks a different man to the one seen struggling in a United jersey.
In the sweltering Qatar heat, Maguire briefly morphed into prime Zinedine Zidane and it’s certainly something we didn’t expect to see in the build-up to the Three Lions’ opening match against Iran.
Maguire, who’s renowned for being a ball-playing centre half, managed to execute the roulette skill to perfection, before displaying some more fancy footwork.
It really was shades of ‘Zizou’ and the footage has gone viral.
Check it out…
Video: Maguire’s impression of prime Zidane in England training
Maguire? I was unfamiliar with your game sir.pic.twitter.com/Vv2nSc7a2D
— ًE. (@UtdEIIis) November 19, 2022
Love that, Harry!
Yes, it’s only a training session, but fans have not seen that level of confidence from Maguire in a long, long time.
And a confident Maguire can only bode well for England out in Qatar…
Fan reaction
John Stones: Maguire is unfazed by criticism
“I think Harry is an incredibly strong character, first and foremost,” Stones told talkSPORT ahead of England’s match against Iran. “What he is going through doesn’t seem to phase him, which is a very good characteristic to have.”
Stones also took time to praise Maguire for his penalty in the Euro 2020 final shootout, which knocked out a television camera.
“[He has an] incredible mentality – such a huge moment in English football,” he added. “What he did and what he’s done for the England team, the periods of time that have been difficult, what he’s gone through and how he’s come out of that.
“I can only praise him for what he’s done and what he still does and obviously I have a lot of incredible memories with him as well, and hopefully we will make some more.”
