Harry Maguire has defended under-fire England boss Gareth Southgate after a 4-0 defeat to Hungary, claiming he remains one of the best managers in international football.
Maguire, who arrived late with England 3-0 in Molineux on Tuesday, said the defeat was “unacceptable” but stressed that the Three Lions could have a big impact on this year’s World Cup.
England face a UEFA Nations League defeat after conceding just two points in four Group A3 matches, following a draw against Germany and Italy in their most difficult defeat since being beaten 5-1 by Scotland in 1928.
Failing to win four games this month leaves England in the worst position since June 2014, when they did not win five games during the month they ended up sitting on the tail end of their 2014 World Cup under Roy Hodgson. .
Hungary also became the first team to score four goals in an away game against England since their 6-3 win at Wembley in 1953, which led to Southgate facing criticism from fans.
The songs “you don’t know what you’re doing” were targeted at Southgate by local fans during the hit, but Maguire says he’s still the right man to lead the band in Qatar later this year.
“Gareth is the most successful England manager than Sir Alf Ramsey in 1966,” the defender told The Sun. “We can no longer wait to work with him and the team that plays in the back of the World Cup.
“His management record is as good as anyone in international football.
“There is no reason why we can’t do well and our goal is to improve our previous competitions and make the country proud.
“We deserved more in the first three games [of the Nations League], but playing against Hungary on Tuesday was unacceptable.
“We all know that. Everyone needs a break now and be reinstated. The atmosphere is good in the camp, despite the results.”
England face two other United Nations tournaments – against Germany and Italy in September – before launching their World Cup campaign against Iran on November 21.
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