Soccer-England's Maguire defends goal celebration slammed by former players

Soccer Football - World Cup - UEFA Qualifiers - Group I - England v Albania - Wembley Stadium, London, Britain - November 12, 2021 England's Harry Maguire applauds fans after the match Action Images via Reuters/Carl Recine

(Reuters) - England defender Harry Maguire defended his goal celebration during Friday's World Cup qualifying victory over Albania which former players described as over the top and unnecessary following his poor performances for Manchester United.

England thrashed Albania 5-0 to all but qualify https://www.reuters.com/article/soccer-worldcup-eng-alb-report/soccer-england-all-but-qualified-as-kane-hat-trick-sinks-albania-idUKL4N2S34GN for the World Cup after Maguire opened the scoring with a ninth-minute header, celebrating with a knee slide while putting his fingers to his ears as if to shut out his critics.