FIFA World Cup 2026: "He would deal with Erling Haaland", Bryan Robson backs Maguire to handle Norway's star striker
Miami, July 11
Former England captain Bryan Robson believes Harry Maguire should have been included in Thomas Tuchel's World Cup squad, arguing that his strength and physical presence make him the ideal defender to handle Norway star striker Erling Haaland.
Robson stressed that England's current centre-backs lack Maguire's ability to match Haaland's power, making the upcoming clash a difficult challenge for the Three Lions' defence.
England and Norway will face each other at the Hard Rock Stadium in Florida on Saturday (local time) in one of the most anticipated quarter-final fixtures of the tournament.
"The Norway game is why I would have loved to have seen Harry Maguire in Thomas Tuchel's squad this summer because I think Harry Maguire would deal with Erling Haaland," Bryan Robson told Hajper as per Goal.com.
"The other lads we have are quick, but they're as strong as someone like Magire, and Haaland is going to be right up for this game, and he's going to use his strength and other qualities to go to another level because it's the World Cup. It's going to be a tough game for England's two centre-halves. Harry Maguire would have been the best man for the job," he added.
Haaland is among the leading scorers in the ongoing FIFA World Cup. Haaland has scored seven goals so far, while Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe lead the chart with eight goals each.
England head into the contest after a dramatic 3-2 victory over co-hosts Mexico in the Round of 16 despite playing much of the second half with 10 men.
Jude Bellingham scored twice before Kane converted the decisive penalty as Thomas Tuchel's side reached the World Cup quarter-finals for the 11th time.
Norway, meanwhile, created history by defeating five-time champions Brazil 2-1 to reach the last eight for the first time, with Haaland scoring both goals in a memorable victory.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Honestly, Maguire has had his moments but he's too error-prone under pressure. Remember that shocker against Iceland a couple years back? Haaland would eat him alive. England need composure, not just strength. Also, can we talk about Norway actually beating Brazil!? That's the real story here - Haaland is carrying that team on his shoulders like Dhoni in his prime 🏆
As someone who watches Premier League every weekend, I think Robson is living in the past. Maguire was good for Leicester, but at United he became a meme. Stones and Guehi have the athleticism to deal with Haaland - physicality isn't everything. Look at how Varane used to handle Lukaku with positioning, not shoulders.
This is a classic English football debate - peak nostalgia bias! Maguire was great in 2018 and 2020, but the game has evolved. Haaland is a different animal now - he's scoring for fun at the World Cup. But respect to Robson for backing a fellow countryman. India mein toh hum apne retired players ko bhi same loyalty dete hain, but selection should be based on current form na? 🤔
Robson has a point in one way - Maguire is built for aerial duels and set pieces. England got a bit lucky against Mexico, and Haaland will feast on any hesitation. Tuchel better have a plan B. Also, 7 goals in a World Cup is insane - Haaland is proving he's the real deal, not just a Premier League stat-padder.
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