Manchester United and England defender Harry Maguire says his withdrawal against Iran was only precautionary

Sheffield’s Harry Maguire was forced off with injury during England’s opening World Cup match against Iran but has said the decision was a precautionary one.

The Manchester United defender, who previously played for Sheffield United, went down in the aftermath of Mehdi Taremi’s first goal for Iran. The central defender appeared to be going through concussion protocols as he was attended to by England’s medical team.

If the defender has sustained a concussion he will be required to sit out the group games against Wales and the United States later this month. However, he posted an update on social media, saying: “I felt unwell in the second half so came off as a precaution. Looking forward to Friday.”

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Eric Dier replaced Maguire, who delivered an encouraging display after his place in the England squad was heavily scrutinised following his form for Man United this season.

England's forward #09 Harry Kane (L) gestures to his teammate defender #06 Harry Maguire during the Qatar 2022 World Cup Group B football match between England and Iran at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha on November 21, 2022. (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)England's forward #09 Harry Kane (L) gestures to his teammate defender #06 Harry Maguire during the Qatar 2022 World Cup Group B football match between England and Iran at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha on November 21, 2022. (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
England's forward #09 Harry Kane (L) gestures to his teammate defender #06 Harry Maguire during the Qatar 2022 World Cup Group B football match between England and Iran at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha on November 21, 2022. (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)

Maguire had calls for an early penalty turned down after he appeared to be grappled to the floor following a corner, the defender then hit the side netting from a deflected cross.

England were inches away from taking the lead through Maguire when his header came back off the crossbar after he met a Kieran Trippier corner. Jude Bellingham opened the scoring before Maguire set-up England’s second as he nodded the ball down for Bukayo Saka to volley home superbly.

Raheem Sterling added another before Saka’s second as Rashford added a fifth after Maguire was withdrawn. Jack Grealish added a sixth before Taremi scored a second for Iran from the penalty spot.

England face the USA on Friday at 7pm. The United States drew their opening group game as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Wales.