Adam Lallana admits he was wrong about 'world-class' Manchester United star

Premier League star Adam Lallana admits he was wrong and ‘misjudged’ England and Manchester United defender Harry Maguire.

Maguire completed a £80million move to Old Trafford in 2019 and was named club captain following Ashley Young’s departure at the start of last year.

While there have been question marks over Maguire in a Red Devils shirt, he has thrived for England, emerging as one of their most important players at Euro 2020.

Brighton midfielder Lallana has been impressed with Maguire’s form for the Three Lions, describing the 28-year-old defender as a ‘colossus’.

He told The Times: ‘I misjudged Harry Maguire. I don’t mind admitting that.

‘I have always thought he was a very good player, but what this tournament has shown me, and hopefully others, is that he is at the next level: a proven world-class defender.

‘Clearly being the Manchester United captain has had a significant effect on him and I think it’s helped him mature on the pitch. The scrutiny is so intense every week at United that it develops leadership.

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‘You can see why Gareth Southgate had no doubts about including him in his 26-man squad despite the injury ruling him out until the final group game.

‘I don’t think there should be too much doubt that had the squad been the usual 23 names, Harry would have still been selected. He makes them better.

‘His reading of the game has been superb and I have enjoyed the moments where he has just stepped in front of an opponent to pinch the ball, leaving the striker wondering where he came from.

‘He has been willing to step out of defence and start attacks, which was particularly noticeable against Denmark.

‘But I also like the fact he does not always look to play the easy ball back to the goalkeeper because that puts Jordan Pickford under pressure.

‘Harry would rather take the initiative himself and play a forward pass, which can be risky but he knows he is good enough to take that on.

‘He wants to take responsibility rather than put it on somebody else and as a team-mate that must be so valuable. He has been playing brave, high quality football. He’s been a colossus.’

Barring any late injury setback, Maguire will start the Euro 2020 final as hosts England face Italy at Wembley.

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