Jose Mourinho poured praise upon Manchester United defender Harry Maguire ahead of England’s European Championship semi-final with Denmark.
Writing for the Times, Mourinho believes that the Three Lions will rely heavily on Maguire’s presence under Wembley’s arch this evening.
The 28-year-old has bolstered Gareth Southgate’s defence following his return from injury last month.
He has ensured three successive clean sheets at the Euros, cementing England’s goals against column at zero.
His influence in both boxes was apparent in the previous round win over Ukraine, where he headed home his nation’s second on the night.
Up until Maguire’s restoration, Tyron Mings had filled in admirably at centre-back, yet swiftly lost his place after United’s skipper became fully fit.
Maguire makes England endurable
Mourinho mentioned Mings’ contribution but insisted that England are far sturdier with the Red Devils leader in attendance.
“Tyrone Mings did well in the first two games Harry Maguire is different,” said the Roma boss.
“He has something more. He scores more goals from set pieces. He clearly has a voice. He is the captain of Manchester United.
“He uses that status, that power in the leadership, even in the communication with referees.
“You can see he is quite arrogant with referees and you need that — arrogance, in a polite way. He doesn’t have the armband but he acts on the pitch as a captain.”
Maguire’s experience at this stage of a major competition will also be vital.
He was a starter in England’s final four defeat to Croatia at the 2018 World Cup.
Only nine of Southgate’s side that travelled to Russia have been picked for the Euros, a sign of how raw this new wave of talent is.
Which has its pros and cons heading into the Denmark clash.
Jadon Sancho, a future club teammate of Maguire, showed flashes of his abilities in the Ukraine victory.
The Danes themselves are totally new to this type of pressure, having not reached a semi-final since 1992, the year they were crowned European champions.
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