World Cup

[monks data]

Attendance: 44,190

World Cup | Round of 16

Jul 3, 2018 at 7pm UK

Colombia
1-1
England

Mina (90+3')

FT
(aet)

Kane (57' pen.)

England win 4-3 on penalties

Harry Maguire criticised by Jose Mourinho for Colombia antics

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 04 July 2018

Jose Mourinho suggests that it is unfair Neymar is being subjected to criticism for diving as other players, including England's Harry Maguire, are also up to it.

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has admitted to being "surprised" by Harry Maguire's behaviour in England's meeting with Colombia at the World Cup.

The Leicester City centre-back was accused of diving after going down inside the box under minimal contact, while also frantically gesturing for VAR when Wilmar Barrios headbutted Jordan Henderson.

Mourinho was left unimpressed by the actions of Maguire and questioned why only certain players, such as Brazil forward Neymar, are criticised in similar circumstances.

"People are focusing on Neymar, but if it was only Neymar, I'd be happy, but it's not only Neymar," he told Russia Today. "Every team has lots of diving, lots of pretending, lots of putting pressure on the referee.

"It's not about England and Colombia, it's almost every match. I was surprised to see central defenders like Harry Maguire, normally he is a very honest guy, diving in the attacking box, asking the referee for VAR.

"The players should feel the responsibility of playing in the World Cup in front of billions of spectators."

The match at the Spartak Stadium finished 1-1 after extra time, before England prevailed 4-3 on penalties to knock Colombia out at the first knockout-stage hurdle.