Harry Maguire blasts 'ridiculous' criticism of England's Euro 2024 performances

Harry Maguire has hit out at the "ridiculous" criticism levelled at England for their performances at Euro 2024.

England made it to a second consecutive Euros final in Germany, but fell at the final hurdle once more as a late winner from Mikel Oyarzabal handed Spain a 2-1 win in Berlin and a record fourth European Championship title.

Though the Three Lions progressed through to the final of Euro 2024, manager Gareth Southgate came in for a considerable amount of criticism for his tactics and team selection. Plastic pint cups were even thrown at Southgate in the aftermath of the bore 0-0 draw with Slovenia in the group stages, such was the ire of travelling fans.

Southgate has since resigned from his post and speaking to BBC Sport, Maguire - one of his most utilised players throughout his tenure in charge - has come out in defence of his former manager, questioning whether or not expectations from the media and supporters were realistic.

“[Criticism] was a bit ridiculous. Yes, performances might not have been amazing but it is tournament football," Maguire said. "It is not as expansive. There are far less risks taken.

"You can’t afford to make mistakes or get caught going out in a full press. You saw throughout the tournament there were not many high-scoring wins.

“I just don’t know what the media or fans expected of this team. Was it to go and beat Serbia 4-0 in the first game and then beat Denmark 3-0? Did they think it was just going to be a walk in the park?”

Maguire failed to make Southgate's final Euro 2024 squad thanks to a muscle injury and, speaking to Sky Sports, he admitted that the disappointment was the hardest period of his career to date.

"It was a real tough moment in my career. It was probably the toughest moment in my career to date," he said.

"To get myself into a position where all year I've worked hard to play at the end of the season and to play in these big games, cup finals and then to go to the Euros and try to win the tournament for my country.

"I felt like I got myself in a great position physically and mentally to go and perform at the highest level, and to face the setback I did with the injury, it was a real tough moment for me."

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