Gareth Southgate revealed the reason behind Harry Maguire‘s second-half substitution following concerns that the defender suffered a concussion.
The Manchester United centre-back was rock solid in defence alongside John Stones. Southgate decided to protect the 29-year-old’s place in the starting XI.
Maguire justified the manager’s decision as he turned provider for Jude Bellingham’s goal. However, his bright defensive display and overall performance were left in the dark after he felt uneasy during the 70th minute of the match against Iran.
Southgate has now revealed that the United defender was taken off as a precautionary measure and there is nothing much to worry about. As quoted by the Manchester Evening News, the English manager said:
“Harry Maguire felt ill. (He) flagged it before the goal. There was no point carrying on but other than that no causes for concern.”
England was already cruising ahead with four goals to their name before Maguire’s substitution. The three lions rounded off the game with two more goals before the final whistle.
Iran was thrashed by a 6-2 scoreline as Southgate’s side prepare themselves for the tricky clash against the United States on Saturday.
Maguire’s form will be a plus point for the three lions amid concerns that he will miss out on a spot in the starting XI.
