Silencing critics?

By Chris O'Brien
November 13 2021

Harry Maguire's celebration courted controversy - as the under-fire Manchester United skipper bagged the opening goal of the game as England walloped Albania 5-0 at Wembley on Friday evening; meaning they need just a point against San Marino to qualify for the 2022 World Cup.

United skipper Maguire was the only Red Devil involved for England, and was looking to put a difficult few weeks at club level behind him with an assured performance at the back alongside Kyle Walker and John Stones.

The Three Lions would dominate the first-half against Albania - scoring five goals, including a hat-trick from captain Harry Kane and a goal from Jordan Henderson.

However, it was Maguire who broke the deadlock after only nine minutes - as he met Reece James' free-kick with a bullet header. The former Leicester City man put his hands to his ears and slid to his knees in jubilation; in what appeared to be a statement to his critics.

Maguire's performances for United of late have been met with much criticism - with the Red Devils skipper looking a shadow of his usual self since returning to action from injury in a painful 4-2 defeat at Leicester in mid-October.

Since then, United have been smashed 5-0 by Liverpool, beat Spurs 3-0 and lost 2-0 to Manchester City amid beleagured league form - though Maguire did score in the comeback Champions League win against Atalanta, before being bailed out in the reverse fixture in Italy by an inspried Eric Bailly.

Many were quick to point out that a goal against Albania is not redemption for Maguire, however. Ex-United captain Roy Keane labelled the celebration "embarrassing" on ITV and said Maguire had been "a disgrace" for United in recent months.

Albania have enjoyed an impressive qualifying campaign - with five wins already, including a double over Hungary. But defeat at Wembley ended their hopes of a spot at the 2022 World Cup - with England clinical before the interval, including a bicycle kick from Kane to seal his hat-trick and 44th international strike. 

Gareth Southgate's men now need just a point against San Marino in their final qualifier to guarantee automatic qualification for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. England have won all seven of the previous meetings against the European microstate - scoring 42 goals in the process and concededing one.