‘No chance’: Harry Maguire shares honest verdict on England incident involving Bukayo Saka

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Harry Maguire has admitted to The Sun there is ‘no chance’ he would have had the same courage as Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka to take a penalty for England at just 19.

Maguire, 28, stepped up and riffled home the Three Lions’ second spot-kick in the Euro 2020 final shootout defeat to Italy. Marcus Rashford, 23, Jadon Sancho, 21, and Saka followed, but saw their attempts saved or hit the post.

Saka’s miss ultimately meant Italy won the European Championship, as the Arsenal gem had to score. He, Rashford and Sancho have since been met with an onslaught of abuse online.

Maguire is adamant those sending Saka, Rashford and Sancho abuse would not have coped in the same situation. As the England defender admits he would have shied away.

“When I was 19 or 20, I would have been standing there saying: ‘I don’t want to take one’,” Maguire said. “There is no chance I would have been putting my hand up at their age. So, look at the courage and bravery of these young lads, look at the age of Bukayo, Jadon and Marcus.

“The things I have gone through have made me more confident and have given me belief. I am able to handle those situations better. Now, I am happy to take one and I executed it well. These people who are being abusive would not be able to handle the pressure.

“It is the highest amount of pressure you will feel, so to do it at their age and to show such bravery should be applauded. I spoke with the three lads afterwards. I have checked up with them and seen how they are, but they are courageous lads. They should be applauded rather than criticised.”

Courage to see Saka shine again for Arsenal and England

Maguire is absolute right to laud the courage Saka, Rashford and Sancho showed to step up and take a penalty for England. The weight of a country weighed heavy on their shoulders as they walked up to the spot on Sunday.

England have never won the European Championship and had not reached the final of a major tournament since 1966. Those 55-years of hurt ensured Sunday meant so much to so many.

Now, the courage Saka, Rashford and Sancho showed can see them shine again for club and country in the future. While having teammates like Maguire and coaches – like Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta – reach out and check their okay will keep their morals as high as it can.