Harry Maguire Owes England Everything–Jay Jay Okocha

Harry Maguire, a defender for Manchester United, has been urged by Nigerian icon Austin Jay Jay Okocha to give back to his national team coach, Gareth Southgate, for having such faith in him.

Despite not playing much for Manchester United, Maguire still managed to earn a spot on the England side and be selected for the starting lineup.

The 29-year-old is no longer in the starting XI for the Red Devils because manager Erik ten Hag likes to combine summer acquisition Lisandro Martinez alongside Raphael Varane.

Monday’s opening Group B match between England and Iran will feature tackles, and Southgate had suggested that the Manchester United captain might start among the back four.

Former Bolton Wanderers captain Jay Jay Okocha, who was on duty as a commentator for SuperSport on Sunday, believes Harry Maguire has the chance to dispel his detractors and return the coach’s faith in him by putting up a strong performance.

“You [Maguire] can only pay him [the coach] back by doing well, so if he believes in Maguire and gives him the chance to play I think he owes him that obligation to do well.”

The difficulties encountered by the Manchester United defender on the pitch hasn’t gone unnoticed for Nigerian legend, Jay Jay Okocha.