As I said in a different thread, for me Stones has been one of the best defenders at this World Cup and certainly England’s best. I base that not on the runs that has everyone purring about Maguire, but on his play off the ball, his positioning, space and intelligence to cover and create for others by doing this. I appreciate people will mention Croatia which is fair comment. I agree with Neville where he said he needs to be playing every week and for me either needs to play at City or leave to keep improving.
I haven't read or heard any criticism of Stones for playing the ball out from the back. I haven't seen every bit of punditry and read every article, but all that I have seen has been praising both Maguire and Stones for their ability with the ball. The one bit of criticism of Stones I have heard was for switching off for Croatia's winner, nothing to do with his ability on the ball. I happen to agree with that criticism. That doesn't mean he was crap in the rest of the tournament, but the fact that he was great for much of the tournament doesn't mean he didn't make a crucial mistake at an important time. When you play at an elite level your performances will be analysed and scrutinised to the nth degree and I'm sure John is mature enough to absorb the praise without it going to his head and shoulder the criticism without it affecting his game. Hopefully it improves his game as criticism tends to do with the very best.
It’s top 6 syndrome. If you don’t play for one of the big clubs everyone loves you. Look at Vardy, Maguire’s in the same boat. If Maguire gets a move to one of the big boys watch how quickly opinions of him change.
Our 4th best player this tournament in my opinion. Trippier Pickford Henderson Stones Maguire Kane in that order for me.
Kane started well but the commentator during the Belgium game on Saturday said he hadn't had a shot on target since a penalty against Columbia i.e. 3 games. He missed the sitter against Croatia to make it 2-0. I'd take the captaincy off him so he can concentrate on scoring because we have no one else so prolific.
What about his 2 shots against Croatia - the one their keeper saved and then the follow up their keeper saved onto the post? They were both on target
Well from what I saw Henderson was more of a captain on the pitch & even Stones seemed to be doing a lot of organising but I can understand why Kane’s got it. It’s probably a lot to do with marketing a bit like when Beckham got it over several players who captained or had captained their club sides. I thought Kane played well in the group & against Colombia but struggled after, lots of rumours he had an injury but who knows
I thought Maguire was absolutely magnificent,would possibly slot him in ahead of Pickford, but it's definitely a hard call. I'd also have Kyle Walker ahead of Kane.