Harry Maguire, the 33-year-old centre-back left out of England’s World Cup squad, spent Friday handing out Panini stickers to stunned children from a van at the Rockefeller Centre in New York. The former Manchester United captain was told of his omission by England manager Thomas Tuchel in an awkward FaceTime call, yet he has remained in good spirits, even heading to a Red Devils fan bar near Times Square – Long Acre – to answer questions from supporters. Maguire is in the United States as a special guest on Gary Lineker’s podcast The Rest is Football, which is being filmed for Netflix. During a recent episode, Lineker awkwardly praised Tuchel’s decision-making after England’s win over Croatia, then added: “With one exception!” Maguire was the exception, one of five central defenders cut from the 26-man squad – the others included John Stones, Ezri Konsa, Marc Guehi, Dan Burn and Jarell Quansah.
As England enter the biggest World Cup in history as one of the favourites, hopes of ending 60 years of hurt are high. But new research has revealed that 70% of England supporters believe international tournaments have become too serious, while three in ten feel the beautiful game is now too commercial. Many fans say they miss the fan culture, personalities and memorable chants that once defined major tournaments. Nearly half (45%) have admitted to declaring “It’s Coming Home” during a tournament, and 35% say they start believing England can win after just one victory.
“Snubbed Harry Maguire gives Panini stickers in New York as Harry Redknapp backs a campaign to ease World Cup tension.”
To help lift the mood, BuzzBallz has launched ‘Show Us Your (Buzz)Ballz’, a campaign backed by former Tottenham and West Ham manager Harry Redknapp. The brand is giving away 21,866 drinks to adult fans – the exact number of days since England last won the World Cup. Redknapp said: “Tournament football should be about mates, memories and having a laugh. Everyone gets so wrapped up in the pressure and expectation now, but some of the best football moments come when fans are just enjoying themselves.” He urged fans to share photos and videos of their creative, funny and unexpected ways of enjoying the tournament, with details available on his Instagram account.
The campaign’s message – that pre-tournament negativity can melt away when England start winning – resonates with Maguire’s own response to disappointment: instead of sulking, he handed out stickers and mingled with fans. Whether the Three Lions can end 60 years of hurt remains to be seen, but both players and fans seem determined to enjoy the ride.