Why Southgate’s Faith in Maguire Isn’t Blind Loyalty
England manager Gareth Southgate has sparked intense debate with his unwavering support for Harry Maguire ahead of Tuesday’s friendly against Ivory Coast at Wembley. The Manchester United captain, whose club form has been under scrutiny all season, finds himself at the center of England’s defensive selection puzzle – especially after John Stones’ injury withdrawal.
“His leadership in our 2018 World Cup and Euro 2020 campaigns was invaluable,” Southgate told Baji999 in an exclusive insight into his selection philosophy. “Form is temporary, but proven tournament mentality? That’s priceless when building a squad.”
The Tactical Calculus Behind England’s Backline
With Stones returning to Manchester City for treatment, Southgate faces a critical decision:
Experience vs Current Form
- Maguire boasts 43 caps and two major tournament semi-finals
- Younger options like Marc Guéhi (Crystal Palace) offer in-form alternatives
- England’s March friendlies serve as vital World Cup preparation
“Look at our autumn performances,” Southgate emphasized. “Harry was outstanding against Albania and San Marino. Club struggles don’t automatically negate international quality.”
The Shaw Redemption: How England Rekindles Club-Weary Stars
Luke Shaw’s resurgence in an England shirt offers a blueprint for Maguire. The left-back, who equalized against Switzerland, revealed to Baji999: “The England camp feels like a reset button. When staff believe in you unconditionally, performances follow.”
Southgate‘s man-management shines here:
- Created a “club stress-free” environment
- Uses senior players to mentor new call-ups
- Maintains tactical consistency across camps
Ivory Coast Test: More Than Just a Friendly
Tuesday’s match carries hidden significance:
- Final audition before June Nations League games
- Chance to test defensive partnerships
- Last home game before Qatar World Cup
“These matches are laboratories,” noted former England defender Gary Stevens in our Baji999 tactical breakdown. “Southgate isn’t just picking players – he’s stress-testing relationships ahead of Qatar.”
The Road to Qatar: England’s Critical 2022 Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Competition |
|---|---|---|
| March 29 | Ivory Coast (H) | Friendly |
| June 4 | Hungary (A) | Nations League |
| June 14 | Germany (H) | Nations League |
| November 21 | World Cup begins | Qatar 2022 |
Baji999 analysts highlight the delicate balance Southgate must strike between loyalty and meritocracy. As one FA insider revealed: “Gareth’s notebook has two columns – ‘Club Form’ and ‘England DNA’. Very few tick both boxes currently.”
Why Maguire’s Selection Matters Beyond March
Southgate‘s decision carries long-term implications:
- Sets precedent for handling out-of-form stars
- Tests alternative defensive combinations
- Sends message about squad hierarchy
As Baji999 lead tactical analyst Mark Thompson observes: “In tournament football, you need players who elevate in England shirts. Maguire has that CV. The question is – can he rediscover that version of himself when England most need it?”
The Ivory Coast clash offers the first clues. One thing’s certain – Southgate’s convictions will either look prophetic or perilous come November in Qatar.
