If England were to defy the odds, silence their critics and make an unprecedented appearance in the latter stages in Russia, a certain Harry would need to play a starring role.
England have defied the odds, critics have become believers – cue the familiar if not inescapable “It’s Coming Home” song – and only Croatia stand in their way of a first World Cup final since they last won it in 1966. However, which Harry is playing the leading role is up for debate.
As captain, star striker and front-runner for the Golden Boot, Harry Kane should be the undisputed headline grabber. Yet, the less fancied Harry Maguire is unquestionably giving him a run for his money.
While Kane has by no means been lacking in impact or contribution, three of his six goals have come from the spot and his only one from open play was unwittingly deflected in off his heel after a Ruben Loftus-Cheek strike. There have been plenty of eye-catching goals to savour at this World Cup, but a Kane special is yet to join the collection.
Harry Kane has scored six goals at the World Cup.
Maguire on the other hand has been all-action. A solid defence, equally crucial to the team’s build-up play as it is keeping opponents at bay, has laid the foundation for England’s dream run and the lionhearted Leicester City defender has been pivotal to the system.
When Gareth Southgate announced his 23-man squad for the World Cup, Maguire’s inclusion was questioned. With a semi-final clash lying in wait, a line-up without him is now unimaginable.
Not only has he made up for his perceived lack of pace with disciplined and committed defending, but his ability to bring the ball out from defence with such poise and purpose has been invaluable. Meanwhile, England’s burgeoning reputation as this World Cup’s set-piece specialists is in no small part down to Maguire’s incredible dominance in the air.
Only Artem Dzyuba (41) has won more headers than Maguire (33) at the tournament and the Three Lions have capitalised on the centre-back’s aerial supremacy. Indirect free-kicks are regularly aimed at the 6 ft 4 in defender and he invariably wins the header, which is directed back across the six-yard box – a prime example being John Stones’ goal against Panama. He plays a crucial role from corner kicks as well and buried his header expertly to score the opener against Sweden in the quarter-finals.
In the aftermath of the golden generation that only endured disappointment and humiliation to extend England’s barren run, the current crop of players have been a breath of fresh air. Apart from Raheem Sterling’s tattoo fiasco that was blown wildly out of proportion, this squad has been squeaky clean.
Stories of heart-warming journeys to the top and of a buoyant spirit in the camp have replaced those of scandal and discontent on the back pages. Kane is the only player with a high enough profile to fly in the same stratosphere that most of the golden generation occupied and his conduct has proved to be a shining example.
Maguire on the other hand epitomises the general character of the squad. He has the tendency to fly under the radar and has largely been underestimated, even foolishly undermined. Yet, with the odds stacked against him, he’s been fearless, unassuming and wholly committed.
England would love Kane to plunder goal after stunning goal and lead them to World Cup glory, but the reality is that they have to battle through gritted teeth and Maguire has been their foremost warrior.
Perhaps the semi-finals or indeed the showpiece event, will demand a moment of magic and for England’s benefit, fate may finally coax one out of Kane. However, as Commissioner Jim Gordan would say, ‘he is the Harry England deserve but not the one it needs right now.’
That title belongs to Maguire.
