Harry Maguire was substituted in England’s 6-2 win over Iran because he had “blurred vision”, according to Gary Lineker.
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Maguire started England’s opening World Cup game in Qatar but was forced from the pitch in the 70th minute due to injury. The Manchester United star appeared to be in discomfort after Mehdi Taremi made it 4-1 with a fine finish for Iran off the underside of the crossbar.
After being assessed by the England medical team, he was replaced by Eric Dier. Unlike Iran, who left Alireza Beiranvand on the pitch after a heavy collision in the early stages, England acted fast to substitute Maguire.
“He just doesn’t look right, Harry Maguire,” former England international Jermaine Jenas said on co-commentary for the BBC. “You can just see it in them, see it in their eyes.” After the final whistle, BBC presenter Lineker added more information about Maguire’s state.
“Harry Maguire was struggling a little bit,” he said. “Apparently, he has blurred vision. Nothing too serious, he is OK, we are led to believe. That’s the information coming out of the England dressing room.”
Gareth Southgate confirmed: “Maguire felt ill, [he] flagged it just before the [first Iran] goal and given the state of the game, we felt it was no point [in him] carrying on.”
Maguire put in a good display before picking up what appeared to be a knock to the head. The centre-back set up Bukayo Saka’s first goal with a downward header from a corner and was a threat from set pieces.
Former England and United defender Ferdinand was impressed with Maguire’s display alongside John Stones. “Harry justified being picked,” he said.
“There were question marks and maybe eyebrows raised when we saw the team but the decision the manager had was definitely justified. He played a part in the goal for Saka, the manager mentioned the control of the game, he was instrumental in that. Everything other than the goal he did perfectly, a commanding performance.”
Saka scored twice, while there were also goals for Bellingham and Raheem Sterling and second-half substitutes Rashford and Jack Grealish.
