Forget Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden or Harry Kane, Harry Maguire is England’s danger man, says French newspaper L’Equipe
12/08/2022 11:59 AM
Harry Maguire is the star France must stop in their World Cup quarter-final with England, according to French newspaper L’Equipe. Whilst much of the attention has been on Maguire’s teammates Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden or Harry Kane, the publication believe he is the player the World champions must deal with. L’Equipe have claimed Maguire is England’s main threatGetty The report adds Maguire ’embodies’ England’s set-piece threat and also suggests Les Bleus will need to make ‘adjustments’ to stop him, when both sides lock horns on Saturday. France conceded from a corner in their win over Denmark in the group stages, and L’Equipe adds it ‘raised everyone’s level of vigilance’ ahead of facing Gareth Southgate’s men. Interestingly, Maguire is England’s fourth-highest scorer since Southgate became manager, only behind Kane (47), Raheem Sterling (18) and Marcus Rashford (14). It, therefore, shows the danger he possesses from set plays which could prove the difference. L’Equipe even went to the extent of suggesting England use ‘basketball-esque screening at corners’. They wrote: “One of the great English strengths is the screen: as in basketball, a team-mate positions himself in the trajectory of Maguire’s marker and blocks him or forces him to go around him, which will free the defender of Manchester United.” Most read in Football support Georgina Rodriguez sends message to Portugal boss after Cristiano Ronaldo dropped ron-call Ronaldo's sister says Portugal boss Santos 'humiliated' her benched brother gone Luis Enrique sacked by Spain after shock World Cup exit as new manager named NOT TRUE Portugal respond to reports Ronaldo threatened to leave World Cup destined Rice and Grealish 'were never going to play for Ireland' says former coach O'Neill brummie Grealish jokes Bellingham's Birmingham roots is the one flaw he'd like to change The French news outlet believe he could cause France problems at set-playsgetty The publication also highlights the centre-back’s dominance in physical duels. “The Englishman exudes plenty of upper body power and uses his arms to gain the upper hand,” they added. Whilst Maguire has been pinpointed as a main threat, he must also stop France star Kylian Mbappe. The Paris Saint-Germain forward is the tournament’s top scorer in Qatar netting five goals, and is in fine form, scoring twice in the 3-1 last-16 victory over Poland. Maguire must be at his best, though, to stop the in-form MbappeGetty Kyle Walker has since down played the clash as England vs Mbappe ahead of the showdown. “The game isn’t England v Mbappe, it’s England vs France,’ Walker said on Wednesday. “We will give respect but I’m not going to roll out a red carpet for him to score. It’s do or die as if we lose we go home.” talkSPORT BET OFFER OF THE DAY Bet £10 Get £30 In Free Bets* – CLAIM HERE 18+ Opt in, bet £10+ at odds 2.00+, in 7 days. No cash out. Get 3x £10 Free Bets on selected events. 7 day bonuses expiry. Card payments only. Click for T&Cs. BeGambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly SEE MORE WORLD CUP FREE BETS HERE
