Gareth Southgate salutes the impact of Harry Maguire on the World Cup

Gareth Southgate praised Harry Maguire as a "giant in both cases" after seeing the defender repay the faith that he could deliver at the highest level.

Maguire quickly became the cornerstone of the English cause in Russia, obtaining badured performances in the back and revealing himself a threat in the box of opposition.

Most of his best work at the corners and He was at the service of others, but the 25-year-old took his time in the honor at Samara – imposing at home against England in the 2-0 win against Sweden.

Wow … What a feeling! World Cup Semi-final. Bring it ????????❤️ pic.twitter.com/VlzZx5Lo1U

– Harry Maguire (@ HarryMaguire93) 7 July 2018

No one has succeeded yet to find one meets the aerial feats of the Leicester man, to the delight of his Three Lions boss.

"Maguire was a giant in both boxes throughout the tournament," said Southgate

. is not it? We have scored goals in set-play because of him so far and he has today the one he deserved.

While Southgate was a regular Maguire champion – selecting him before more decorated options such as Gary Cahill and Phil Jones – he is not convinced that the middle half has always shared his confidence. [19659012] Cracking Header, @ HarryMaguire93 ! ? #threelions pic.twitter.com/oDHgiBIFmi

– England (@England) July 7, 2018

His performance in his debut against Lithuania, the last match of the World Cup qualifying campaign of England, was modest, but Southgate gently pushed him to aim higher.

He recalled : "His first game … he just talked about being desperate not to make a mistake."

"I remember telling him before the next game" OK, what would you say to try to be as good as we could be? & # 39; because I think he's a super talented player.

"When I watched it during the season, I was so eager to stay in shape because it was a scene on which I was sure it could show that it was a good thing. He could play, I'm not sure he always believed that.

"His use of the ball is as good as any central defender in the tournament. I hope that he wins the confidence of the performances at this level. "

Press Association