Harry Maguire believes England can go all the way

Harry Maguire believes England can go one step further at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar after losing the Euro 2020 final last year.

If England can beat France, they will play the winner of Portugal and Morocco in the semi-finals of the tournament.

Ahead of the quarter-final with Didier Deschamps’ side, Maguire was asked if it is difficult not to lie in bed and think what it would feel like to lift the World Cup, he said: “Probably, yes.

“I think that’s the one thing I’d say that’s a lot different from the 2018 squad to this squad – I think we really believe that it is possible.

“I played in 2018 and we got to the semi-final and I think a lot of the lads were happy. You were happy to be part of the semi-final.

“You know that whatever happened in that semi-final that you’d go home and be classed as a hero and everyone would be patting you on the back.

“I think now there’s a belief that we’ve got to win this tournament. It is a good change in the mentality.

“Of course, we know how tough it is going to be. I think there are probably five or six teams with the same belief.

“But in 2018, we probably weren’t one of those teams that had that belief. Now there’s five or six who have that belief and we’re one of them.”

Controlling games

Manchester United defender Maguire feels England are controlling games a lot better and the 29-year-old has impressed at the tournament despite a spell on the sidelines at Old Trafford.

He says his confidence never wavered.

“I don’t read too much if I’m being honest,” he added.

“You pick up bits and bobs and maybe my family read things more than me. I tell them to stay off (social media), but maybe they don’t because it’s a habit for most people these days.

“So, no, I read little bits and bobs, but I’m 29 years old, the captain of Man United and have made 52 appearances for my country.

“So, when I look back on my career and put everything into perspective, if I was a young boy then I’m living the dream. I’m doing everything I always wanted to do.

“So, where I’m at at the moment, the next stage of my career I want to start winning trophies.

“The last year has been difficult, and I haven’t played as well as I’ve done in the previous five years at the top level.

“But I think during a career there’s only probably Lionel Messi and Cristiano (Ronaldo) who are the only two who’ve not had a dip in their careers.

“It’s a 15-year career if you’re lucky really, there’s no way really, especially with all the scrutiny that’s on defenders these days, you’re not going to have dips.

“I’m probably going to have another one as well, but it’s how you come back, how you bounce back from them. You’ve got to remain focused and keep the belief in yourself.”

England vs France

England play reigning champions France on Saturday at the Al Bayt Stadium.