'If we don't win the tournament, it's been a failure’ – Harry Maguire sets high hopes for Euro 2024 after Italy victory
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Updated 25/03/2023 at 09:24 GMT
The Manchester United defender believes that winning a major tournament is the next logical step for this group of players following near-misses at the 2018 World Cup and Euro 2020. The Three Lions were knocked out by France in the quarter-finals at the 2022 World Cup, and Maguire feels expectations should be high heading into next year's finals in Germany.
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Harry Maguire has raised expectations for England at Euro 2024 and explained that it would be a failure if the Three Lions do not win the tournament.
The 30-year-old started every game for England in Qatar as Gareth Southgate’s side bowed out to France in the quarter-finals.
Maguire, who was also part of the squads that reached the 2018 World Cup semi-finals and the Euro 2020 final, believes that the next step must result in securing a first trophy for the men’s team since 1966.
The feel-good factor surrounding England was boosted after an impressive 2-1 win over Italy in Naples on Thursday, as a goal from Declan Rice and Harry Kane’s record-breaking strike from the penalty spot sealed three crucial points.
"I believe we have the players to win it," said Maguire to reporters after the victory.
"I'm with a mindset of, 'If we don't win the tournament, it's been a failure'. I've been at three major tournaments now and I've come so close.
"Obviously, we've got to qualify first from a tough group, we've come to Italy and got an amazing result. We're in a good place.
"But these big tournaments are decided on the finest margins. I think we played really well in the World Cup and ultimately we got knocked out by a good French team.
"So it's something that we're working on. We have so much talent and so many young players coming through.”
Maguire remains a mainstay in Southgate’s squad despite seeing his game time limited under Erik ten Hag at Manchester United.
The club captain has started only five Premier League games for the Red Devils this season, and follows on from an error-strewn 2021/22 campaign that saw Maguire come in for strong criticism.
"I want to play every game for my club and my country. I feel like I'm good enough to play at a high level and I've proven that over the last five, six years now," Maguire added.
"Last season was difficult but I've proven myself to Gareth, I've made over 50 caps, I feel I shouldn't really need to prove myself at this level."
Maguire and England are now focusing their attention on a Euro 2024 qualifier against Ukraine at Wembley on Sunday.
It will be the first meeting between the two sides since Southgate’s men secured a resounding 4-0 win in a Euro 2020 quarter-final almost two years ago.
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