Advertisement

Harry Maguire recreates England fan picture from Euro 2016 with same group of friends

Harry Maguire celebrated England's 6-1 victory over Panama by reuniting with the friends he stood alongside as an England fan at the European Championships in France two years ago.

Maguire recreated the now well-known photograph of him and his mates in Saint Etienne before a group match against Slovakia.

The Sheffield-born defender first tweeted the picture when he was named in Gareth Southgate's World Cup squad - a sharp reminder of his progress since 2016.

Speaking before the World Cup, Maguire said: “My friends were out there, they actually went out there for a couple of games. I had a few days spare in the summer so I thought there’s nothing better than to go out there, see the atmosphere, it was a great few days. See the passion of the fans. It was a great experience and one I’d definitely do again.

“It went pretty smoothly to be honest. Thankfully, the person who organised it was pretty good. We went to Paris for a couple of nights and we stayed where the game was (Saint Etienne) a couple of nights, it wasn’t anything plush and posh. It was what the England fans do.

“I can’t remember my rooms. I know the lads did it really cheap, I just jumped on it at the end. I just jumped in their hotels. It definitely wasn’t an expensive trip.

“There were a few who recognised me. Mainly Hull fans or Sheffield United fans. Not really too many to put me off going, though. It was nice to interact and be part of it and mingle in with the fans without getting too much recognition.

“I really was over there acting like a fan. Chanting away and enjoying myself with my mates. It was a great time. A great experience. Probably I’ll be doing again in the future. I’m sure I’ll be over there one time with my mates whether it’s in a near future or further away.”

Maguire has started both of England's group-stage victories over Tunisia and Panama, assisting Harry Kane's last-gasp winner against Tunisia with a crucial knock-down.

The 25-year-old's quality on the ball was an asset in both matches, driving forward with the ball from the left of a back three to create an extra man in possession.

READ MORE: Player ratings as England smash Panama for six

READ MORE: Kane bags hat-trick as England roar into last 16

READ MORE: SPOTTED: Big Sam watches England alone with a Big Mac

Maguire was subject to some agricultural Panama defending at England corners, though he proved a distraction when they allowed John Stones to ghost in and score the opening goal.

The centre back joined Leicester City from Hull last summer in a £17 million move, and was named in the England squad ahead of the likes of Chris Smalling.