World Cup 2018: Harry Maguire on his journey from watching England to playing for them

Two years on from watching Euro 2016 from the stands, Maguire is pushing for a starting spot

Whether or not he starts for England against Tunisia next week, Harry Maguire will need no help to be the kind of “good tourist” that Gareth Southgate always wanted in his World Cup squad.

It’s almost two years to the day since the Leicester City defender – at the time preparing for his first Premier League campaign after helping Hull City win promotion from the Championship – travelled to France for Euro 2016 to cheer on the Three Lions as a supporter, accompanied by his footballing brothers Joe and Laurence.

“My friends were out there, they actually went out there for a couple of games,” he explained. “I had a few days spare in the summer so I thought there’s nothing better than to go out there, to see the atmosphere. It was a great few days, to see the passion of the fans. It was a great experience and one I’d definitely do again.

“There were a few who recognised me – mainly Hull or Sheffield United fans. Not really too much which put me off from going. It was nice to interact and be part of it and mingle in with the fans without getting too much recognition, just to see the experience. It was nice to be out there.”

Maguire split his time between Paris and Saint-Etienne, where he watched England play out a goalless draw with Slovakia. “Not the greatest of games,” he admitted. “But it ended up a result which took them through to the knockout stage, so the atmosphere was still good around the stadium and everyone was buzzing.”

An Instagram image posted last month of Maguire and company in the stands at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard, wearing England shirts and draped in flags, underlined the meteoric nature of his career rise as well as reinforcing the impression of him as one of the Premier League’s most likeable and relatable personalities.

“I was a fan, I still am a fan and if I wasn’t selected to be in the England squad this time I’d be there,” he added. “I’d be a fan, I’d be watching it on TV, gearing up for games, still getting nervous. I’m passionate about England. I’ve always been [that way] growing up, and now I’m looking forward to the tournament.”

England’s chosen accommodation for this summer’s tournament, the ForRestMix Club Hotel in the sleepy village of Repino just outside Saint Petersburg, is distinctly more modest than the luxurious five-star facilities booked by the Football Association for previous World Cups – even if it does still boast an in-house gym, a swimming pool and a games room fitted with snooker tables.

Yet you suspect the last member of Southgate’s squad to complain would be Maguire, who went viral last summer when he arrived at St George’s Park for his first England call-up carrying gear in a black plastic bin bag rather than the designer luggage sported by most of his peers.

“It wasn’t anything plush and posh,” he recalled of his Euro 2016 trip. “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.

“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 [or another] with my mates, whether it’s in a near future or further away.”

Recent evidence suggests it could be some time before Maguire is watching England from afar again. During a season in which many of his centre-back rivals struggled to hold down their first-team places he played every Premier League minute for Leicester, and his consistent form was recognised by being voted club’s Player of the Year by supporters and his teammates.

Southgate is a big admirer, valuing Maguire’s comfort level with the ball at his feet – he was a central midfielder until the age of 16 – and familiarity with a back three as much as his impressive blend of physicality and intelligence in defence. Only the greater experience of Gary Cahill, who finished the season strongly at Chelsea, can deny him a starting spot against Tunisia.

But regardless of whether he is on the pitch, Maguire’s experience as an England fan can be a valuable asset to a squad that is actively trying to re-connect with its supporter-base following a succession of joyless tournament campaigns that widened the emotional divide.

“I’m totally aware [of the sacrifice],” Maguire added. “It’s a trip that costs a lot of money. It’s good to know I’ve experienced it, I’ve seen the passion the fans show. I know what it means to everyone. We’re going to go there and try to give it everything we can to be a success.”