“Disrespectful to the players that have actually played well”, “Hasn’t played since 2002” – Fans lose their minds as 29-year-old starts England’s FIFA World Cup game against Iran
Many England fans have been left frustrated as Gareth Southgate has named Harry Maguire in England's starting line-up to face Iran in their 2022 FIFA World Cup opener.
England will lock horns with Iran in their first group-stage match of the FIFA World Cup today (21st November). They would be hopeful of getting their campaign off to a winning start at the Khalifa International Stadium.
With less than an hour to go until kick-off, the Three Lions have named their starting line-up for the match. Manchester United defender Maguire has notably earned a place in the first XI.
However, a host of England fans is not pleased to see the centre-back start against Iran. A section of supporters has even taken to social media to express their frustration.
Here is how the Three Lions fans have reacted to the news on Twitter:
Your #ThreeLions to take on Iran! 🦁 https://t.co/uU7SA2TAJB
Making us watch Maguire for the opening game is torture🤦🏽♂️
One frustrated fan wrote on Twitter:
"Maguire starts, [Mason] Mount instead of [Phil] Foden, very sporting to give the opposition a chance to win!"
@England @marksandspencer Maguire starts, Mount instead of Foden, very sporting to give the opposition a chance to win!
@FIFAWorldCup HOW IS MAGUIRE STILL A STARTER FOR ENGLAND
Another supporter wrote:
"The fact that Maguire gets to play is actually disrespectful to the players that have actually played well."
The fact that maguire gets to play is actually disrespectful to the players that have actually played well
How the fuck is Harry Maguire in that starting 11?
Hasn't played since 2002
#englandsquad #WorldCup2022
@paddypower Maguire? England is not serious about this tournament
Maguire over white 🤦
@mxnciteh Maguire in a back 4 brev, we’re finished
It is worth noting that Maguire has been preferred over the likes of Ben White. It will now be interesting to see if the defender can repay the manager's faith by helping his team to a win against Iran.
The 29-year-old has struggled for form in the months leading up to the FIFA World Cup. He has just made nine appearances across all competitions for Manchester United this term.
Maguire fell down the pecking order under Erik ten Hag after he failed to sparkle against Brighton & Hove Albion and Brentford in the team's first two league games. He has only started one top-flight match since.
Which other players are starting for England in their FIFA World Cup opener?
Everton's Jordan Pickford has been chosen over Aaron Ramsdale and Nick Pope to start in goal. Meanwhile, Luke Shaw, John Stones and Kieran Trippier will play alongside Maguire in defense.
Southgate appears to have decided to deploy a three-man midfield, with Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham and Mason Mount his players of choice. The likes of Jordan Henderson, Conor Gallagher and Kalvin Phillips have to settle for a place on the bench.
Captain Harry Kane will lead the line for England, with Bukayo Saka and Raheem Sterling playing alongside. Southgate could also bring in the likes of Phil Foden, Jack Grealish and Marcus Rashford if needed.