When it came to Manchester United center-back Harry Maguire's recent England exhibition, Emile Heskey and Jose Mourinho had similar thoughts.
Heskey praised Maguire's outstanding performance in the European Championships last night on the official England podcast.
After a nearly two-month layoff due to injury, United's captain returned to competitive action against the Czech Republic.
All night, the 28-year-old didn't put a foot wrong, striding forward and passing as if he'd never been away.
It was a good warm-up for England as they prepare for the knockout stages, where they will face France, Germany, Portugal, or Hungary.
Maguire's presence pleased Heskey, who thought the center-back dominated the game.
“Considering I don't think he's had a lot of training sessions,” the former Liverpool striker remarked, “I felt he did extremely well.”
“I thought he did an outstanding job. “I had it under control, like a boss in there.”
Maguire ensured England's third consecutive clean sheet in the group stage; the previous time this happened at a major tournament was in 1966.
Over Tyron Mings, who had been a competent understudy for United's captain, he provided that extra bit of experience and composure.
Mourinho agreed with Heskey that the Red Devils' defender is a strong presence for England.
“The way England play, with Kyle Walker not as an attacking full back but building as a three and staying back defensively, they are solid, and Maguire brought that,” Roma manager Claudio Ranieri wrote in his Sun column.
“Mings is doing fantastically well, and he is a leader who is vocal and has a particular mindset, but Maguire is Maguire, and the team is steadfast in his support.”
In the elimination phase, Gareth Southgate's team will face some difficult challenges.
Facing Germany, France, or Portugal sends shivers down the spine, and Hungary is a force to be reckoned with.
That's why the Three Lions will have to rely on players like Maguire, who have competed in international tournaments before.
Of course, Southgate's exciting talent can match up with any team.
Their attack body, however, is useless without a strong spine.
In other news, Celtic wants a double-winning assist machine, and a replacement will set them around £3 million or more.
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