Former England captain Bryan Robson has expressed the view that Harry Maguire should have been included in Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad, citing his strength and physical presence as key attributes for confronting Norway’s star striker, Erling Haaland.
Robson highlighted concerns over England’s current centre-backs, suggesting they lack the power necessary to match Haaland, which poses a significant challenge for the Three Lions’ defence ahead of their quarter-final encounter on Saturday at the Hard Rock Stadium in Florida.
“The Norway game is why I would have loved to have seen Harry Maguire in Thomas Tuchel’s squad this summer because I think Harry Maguire would deal with Erling Haaland,” Robson told Hajper, as reported by Goal.com. “The other lads we have are quick, but they’re as strong as someone like Maguire, and Haaland is going to be right up for this game, and he’s going to use his strength and other qualities to go to another level because it’s the World Cup. It’s going to be a tough game for England’s two centre-halves. Harry Maguire would have been the best man for the job,” he added.
Haaland is among the tournament’s leading scorers, with seven goals to his name, just behind Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe, who each have eight.
England advanced to the quarter-finals after a dramatic 3-2 victory over co-hosts Mexico in the Round of 16, despite playing much of the second half with 10 men. Jude Bellingham scored twice before Harry Kane converted the decisive penalty, ensuring Thomas Tuchel’s side reached the World Cup quarter-finals for the 11th time.
Norway, meanwhile, made history by defeating five-time champions Brazil 2-1 to reach the last eight for the first time, with Haaland scoring both goals in their memorable victory.