If the measure was spirit and desire, then it was exactly what he wanted from England, but if it was not, then it was not what he needed.
The manager was stretching the patience of England fans when he declared the dismal defeat in Italy as a step in the right direction, but his side showed character and looked like a team fighting for themselves and their manager in the 3-3 draw with Germany.
England were two down and staring at a third straight loss when they got their first goal from open play in the 566th minute, which was followed by two more from substitute Mason Mount and finally a penalty from Harry Kane.
Germany's lead was down to Maguire after he clumsily fouled Musiala for Gundogan's penalty then lost possession and was out of position as the visitors counter- attack concluded with Havertz's finish.
John Stones was replaced in the first half by Eric Dier and England's defense was not helped by the injury.
England came back with three goals in 12 minutes after it looked like they were done with the game. It was proof that the team has the strength and threat that they believe they possess.
England's comeback had Wembley bouncing until Pope, known for his assured handling even if he was very suspect with the ball at his feet, fumbled Havertz's shot with three minutes left.
This is England's longest run without a win since April to June 1993 and the final whistle was warmly applauded by those who had seen a thrilling second half.
Jude Bellingham showed his class once more, surely a certain World Cup starter now, while the vibrant substitute Mount and Bukayo Saka delivered the sort of drive and positive vibes that makes England look a different proposition from the stodge seen recently.
When they could have stopped, England kept digging. It would have been easy for heads to fall, but they fought to the end.
In the Nations League context, this was a dead rubber but any meeting with Germany carries significance and the second half was filled with excitement.
The part that was positive was that. After England's fans turned on him for the first time, it was the least wanted by the coach.
There is abut. It was a very big one.
The big problem, and it will not go away, is that Maguire showed exactly why he has been dropped by Manchester United and why so many questions are asked about his continued faith in him.
A poor pass and a heavy touch gave Musiala the ball in dangerous territory. The forward was bundled over in desperation by the defender.
Danny Makkelie had to look at a television screen to confirm what everyone had seen before he pointed to the spot.
Germany was happy to accept the gift of two mistakes.
As he tried to get the ball back, he was robbed upfield and left behind the play as Germany went 2-0 up.
How can he seriously consider starting a player in the World Cup opener against Iran if he's not performing well?
The England manager is loyal to him because he has never let him down. Is it really possible for him to really take that chance after what he's seen here?
If he does, it seems to be case of stubbornness or blind loyalty as the television cameras caught him with the blank stare of a player grasping for some semblance of past form.
There is no suggestion that United manager Eric ten Hag called on his services too many times before the World Cup, because of the fact that Maguire's confidence is shattered, he is hopelessly out of form, and there is no suggestion that he called on his services too many times before the World
It's not doing the player any good to stick with him when he's being stood against all the evidence by someone else.
The noise around his selection may have been reduced by a good performance by Maguire. This has made the opposite happen.
It was a bad night for Pope, who has put his chances of becoming deputy to Pickford in serious jeopardy.
Pope looked nervous with the ball at his feet in Italy and was even more uncertain here before he made a costly mistake. He's had two chances to advance his claims, but hasn't done so.
England's fans were happy with what they saw and this should be called a step in the right direction.
It will have improved the mood, giving England an injection of confidence, but now has a big call to make on Maguire who, at the moment, looks in no shape for a World Cup campaign.
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