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Football

16th May 2018

Harry Maguire’s reaction to World Cup squad shows how far he’s come in two years

'How things have changed'

Simon Lloyd

It’s been quite a couple of years for Harry Maguire.

The central defender was named as part of Gareth Southgate’s 23-man England squad for this summer’s World Cup, a year on from being relegated from the Premier League with Hull City.

Having joined Leicester City last summer, Maguire was given his first call-up for the national side for last August’s qualifiers against Malta and Slovakia. Since then, his performances in the Premier League have made sure of his place on the plane to Russia.

Though this will be his first time playing for England at a major tournament, Maguire’s reaction to his call-up revealed it wasn’t his first time at a major tournament.

Shortly after his spot in the World Cup squad was confirmed, Maguire shared a tweet of his trip to the European Championships two years ago – as a fan.

‘Two years ago watching England in France with my mates,’ his tweet read. ‘Now on the plane to Russia. How things have changed.’

England kick off their campaign in Russia with a group opener against Tunisia on June 18. They then play tournament debutants Panama six days later before their final group game against a much-fancied Belgium side. Providing all goes well, it will then be on to the knockout stages.