Newcastle and England legend Alan Shearer has delivered a brutal assessment of Harry Maguire's ongoing inclusion in the national team, labelling the situation as "now becoming embarrassing" for the Manchester United defender.
Shearer's Blunt Verdict on Maguire's Form
The Premier League's all-time top scorer didn't mince words when discussing Maguire's recent performances during BBC's coverage of England's friendly against Belgium. "I think it's now becoming embarrassing for Maguire," Shearer stated bluntly. "We're talking about a player who's clearly struggling for form and confidence, yet he continues to be an automatic starter for England."
Southgate's Loyalty Under Fire
Shearer questioned Gareth Southgate's unwavering loyalty to the 31-year-old centre-back, who has faced consistent criticism for his club performances. The former striker highlighted the growing concern about England's defensive stability ahead of this summer's European Championship in Germany.
"We have other talented defenders who are playing regularly and performing well for their clubs," Shearer argued. "Meanwhile, Maguire is struggling to get minutes at Manchester United and when he does play, he's making mistakes that are costing his team."
The Statistical Reality
The numbers make for concerning reading. Maguire's limited playing time at Old Trafford this season has raised serious questions about his match sharpness. Despite this, Southgate has consistently selected him for England duty, creating what many pundits are calling a "two-tier" selection system.
Shearer's comments come at a crucial time for England, with Southgate expected to name his provisional squad for Euro 2024 in just over two months. The debate around Maguire's place has become one of the most divisive topics in English football.
What This Means for Euro 2024
With the tournament fast approaching, Shearer's intervention adds significant pressure on both player and manager. The concern isn't just about Maguire's individual performances, but how his presence affects the entire defensive unit.
"At some point, you have to pick players based on form and fitness," Shearer emphasised. "We're heading into a major tournament and we need defenders who are playing regularly and full of confidence. Right now, that's not Harry Maguire."
The football world will be watching closely to see if Southgate heeds this warning or maintains his faith in the embattled defender as England chase their first major trophy since 1966.
