Harry Maguire injury latest as Man Utd star forced off in England’s World Cup opener against Iran

Manchester United defender Harry Maguire was forced off during England’s World Cup Group B opener against Iran. The Three Lions ran out 6-2 winners on Monday, but there was concern for the 29-year-old, who played well until his departure from the pitch.

According to BBC presenter Gary Lineker, Maguire suffered ‘blurred vision’ and was substituted as a precaution. Speaking after the full-time whistle, the former England striker provided the following update on the Red Devils’ centre-back. "Harry Maguire was struggling a little bit,” Lineker 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."

Concerned fans tweeted they were worried he had suffered concussion.

What happened with Maguire?

The centre-back suddenly looked out of sorts at the back, allowing Iran’s Mehdi Taremi to sprint past him and blast the ball into the roof of Jordan Pickford’s net. Maguire was immediately assessed by the Three Lions medical team and was substituted as a precaution.

Latest on Maguire’s status ahead of Friday’s game against USA

However, despite initial concern, England boss Gareth Southgate later confirmed the reason Maguire was withdrawn was due to him feeling ill and due to his team being in control of the game, he felt it was best to take the defender off. He said: "Maguire felt ill, [he] flagged it just before the [first Iran] goal and given the state of the game, we felt there was no point [in him] carrying on."

As of writing, there is no update as to whether Maguire is available to feature in the Three Lions’ second Group B game against the United States on Friday. If ruled out, it’s expected Eric Dier, who replaced Maguire on Monday, will start in his place, while Conor Coady, Ben White and Kyle Walker, if fit, are options to start at centre-back.

How did Maguire play?

There was criticism ahead of England’s game with Iran following the news Maguire would be starting for the Three Lions. He hasn’t regularly featured for United this season due his poor performances last campaign, while he has also struggled this year.

Maguire’s inclusion in Southgate’s squad also received a backlash due to his form, with the likes of Fikayo Tomori missing out on the 26-man list. However, the Red Devils captain silenced his critics by having a brilliant outing on Monday and also provided the assist for Bakayo Saka’s goal - England’s second of the game.