Harry Maguire says England’s players want Gareth Southgate to stay on for the 2026 World Cup – and has hit back at those questioning the manager.
The 53-year-old’s contract expires in December and despite the links with Manchester United, there have long been expectations that this summer’s European Championship would be his last tournament.
Maguire is a player who has benefited from Southgate’s support in recent years, despite spells of struggle at club level with United, and the defender has sent a message to the top brass of the Football Association: give Gareth a new contract.
“Yes, definitely (we want him to stay),” Maguire said. ‘I’ve had a great relationship with him. I have played a major part in the success and progress we have shown as a country. I’m sure he’ll say the same thing now: it’s all about winning a trophy.
‘I don’t know what will happen after the European Championship, I don’t know if he knows what will happen. But I feel like what he’s done, from the time he took over to where we are now, we’ve made huge strides and he’s a big part of that. If Gareth is the man who will make us successful then we want him to stay as long as possible.’
Harry Maguire has sent a message to the FA saying England players want Gareth Southgate to stay on as their manager
The Man United defender credited the England boss with transforming the Three Lions
Maguire praised Southgate for showing ‘great confidence’ in him during his England career
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Maguire’s words may not be well received by some supporters and observers, who still doubt Southgate’s influence despite a semi-final and final appearance under his management.
But Maguire replied: “He has certainly gained the recognition and respect of the players, everyone who has worked under him and people close to him, people whose opinion is important to him.
‘Listen, being England manager is so tough, it’s one of the most scrutinized jobs in the world. Every time he picks a selection there is a huge debate – he has done something wrong every time.
“But all you can look at is where we were before he took over and where we are now.
‘Everyone will say, “Yes, but we have great talent and better players now.” But in recent years we have also had a lot of talent and we have not been successful.
“So I think he deserves a lot of credit. He has taken us a long way and he has the full respect of all the players. If you speak to anyone they will speak highly of Gareth and his tactical management, but also his man-management. He’s brilliant.’
Maguire will win his 63rd cap against Brazil at Wembley on Saturday night and believes the criticism of his performances – and continued selection by Southgate – is down to the club he represents.
Man United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is said to be confident of ‘luring Southgate to Old Trafford’
The defender will be able to win his 63rd cap when he plays against Brazil on Saturday
There is a chance these could be Southgate’s last euros as his contract expires in December
“I think different clubs look at players differently, and that’s a big aspect when fans see him pick a squad,” he said. ‘I could have played for Leicester and had a bad game and then had six good games, a few bad ones, and everyone would think I’m in great form. If I did that for Manchester United, it wouldn’t happen like that.
‘I think you see a lot in the career paths in England: you get built up, built up, built up, and then you have to maintain that really high level to stay there, otherwise you get shut down quite quickly.
‘I think every player who has played for Man United has reached a time where he has played for the country and people have not been happy. David Beckham had a lot, and I think even Wayne (Rooney) said a lot, and he was one of the best players to ever play for his country.
“But Gareth has shown great confidence in me, trusted me all the way, and that has given me the confidence to make sure I am ready and available to play and perform. I have great belief in my abilities and what I can add to a team.’
