Joe Cole was left gushing by Harry Maguire's masterful performance in the 2-0 win over Germany at Euro 2020, comparing the centre-half to the finest defenders England have ever produced.
Maguire, injured in early May during Manchester United 's meeting with Aston Villa, only returned to the England team for the final group game with Czech Republic, but has looked as good as ever in this tournament.
That much was evident against the Germans, as Maguire was awarded UEFA's Star of the Match, a thoroughly deserved recognition of his contribution to the overall performance, according to Cole.
"I’m going to go with Harry Maguire," said the former West Ham, Chelsea, Liverpool and England midfielder when asked by JOE who his man of the match was.
"I’ve met Harry a few times, never played with him, played against him, recognised the talent early on, recognised the character early on. I thought he’d become a big player for England.
"I think Harry Maguire stands next to the likes of Tony Adams and Terry Butcher for me now. A leader, but not only that, he gets a lot of stick in the media.
"He’s at Manchester United but he isn’t at the Manchester United of the nineties or noughties. He’s leading that team.
"There was a moment in that game where the crowd started singing his name, his chest puffed out, Germany were applying pressure. putting balls in the box. He was pushing players out of the way to go and put his head there and defend things.
"It was like you were watching a prime Tony Adams, a prime John Terry, a prime Rio Ferdinand. I’m talking the greats. We can’t put him next to Bobby Moore, because he hasn’t lifted any silverware yet. But, he’s standing next to them.
"I was watching him and you can only be inspired."
