Harry Maguire taken off with illness in England's World Cup win over Iran in Qatar, says Gareth Southgate
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Updated 21/11/2022 at 17:57 GMT
England started their 2022 World Cup campaign in impressive fashion against Iran. Gareth Southgate's side scored three times in the first half and defender Harry Maguire was dangerous from corners. Maguire, though, was taken off in the 70th minute and Gareth Southgate said afterwards that he was feeling "ill". The Manchester United defender was replaced by Tottenham's Eric Dier.
Coady says ‘stick’ handed out to Maguire not warranted, backs fellow England man
Harry Maguire was taken off in the second half of England’s World Cup opening win over Iran as he was feeling "unwell".
Maguire has had a difficult season at club level with Manchester United but produced an impressive display on his return to international duty.
He was influential from corners, getting the assist for England’s second goal and causing problems in the box.
However, after Iran pulled a goal back to make it 4-1, Maguire sat on the floor and required treatment from the medical team.
It wasn't clear what had happened to him, but he was checked out and then walked off the pitch and straight down the tunnel.
“He doesn’t look right, you can see it in his eyes,” said former England midfielder Jermaine Jenas on the BBC.
Maguire, who was replaced by Tottenham defender Eric Dier, said on Twitter afterwards that he was "unwell".
England manager Gareth Southgate added: "Harry Maguire felt ill. He flagged it before the goal. There was no point carrying on, but other than that there's no causes for concern."
Earlier in the game there were farcical scenes as Iran goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand tried to carry on after a head clash, only to then collapse and be taken off on a stretcher.
Maguire has lost his starting place in the Manchester United team this season under Erik ten Hag.
He has started just three games in the Premier League and also missed several due to a thigh injury.
However, he has been a regular under Gareth Southgate and showed why the England manager continues to trust him with his display against Iran.
“In the first half in particular he did really well,” said Jenas.
“He takes on a world of pressure and for him to go out there and perform like he did in the first half in both boxes he can be proud and hold his head high. It was a good step in the right direction.”
England's next Group B game is against USA on Friday, November 25.
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