Kalvin Phillips: 'Maguire mockery is undeserving. He's one of the best defenders'

Kalvin Phillips praised Harry Maguire for his turnaround in form for England at the World Cup while also defending him from criticism he's faced over the past year.

Speaking to reporters, the Manchester City midfielder explained: "I know Harry Maguire has not played as much football this season as he probably would have liked this season and he does get a lot of stick, which I think is very undeserved.

"I think he's a top professional and a great footballer and all you have to do is watch England in major tournaments.

"When he plays for Manchester United, I think, he's one of the best defenders and I think for England he's been one of the top defenders for a long time and especially in tournament level."

Phillips continued: "He's always been that player that when we've got set pieces or when we need to block or when anybody needs to make a challenge, he's always the first one to do it.

"And he's always the first one to get his head to the ball. Obviously, he's scored some very important goals as well.

"I think a lot of people...because, he's been obviously mocked quite a lot the past few years, I think he's just the first one they go to if anything bad happened in the England team, he'd be the first one for anything to be said about.

"It's very undeserved. And, like I said, I think if you look at the major tournaments he's played in and how well he's done then, you can't really mock him because he's been unbelievable."

Maguire's injury and the arrival of Lisandro Martinez pushed the captain below the pecking order at Old Trafford.

However, with some solid performances for England at the World Cup, Harry has made a strong case for reclaiming his starting spot.

Source: The Sun