Harry Maguire believes that the "hurt" of England's 2018 World Cup semifinal loss to Croatia can be used to motivate the side to avoid a similar outcome against Denmark at Euro 2020.England will face the Danes on Wednesday with the chance of reaching the finals of a major tournament, the first since winning the 1966 World Cup.After their 4-0 victory against Ukraine, Gareth Southgate's team returns to Wembley.Maguire stated that "the motivation is there." It's the European Championship semi-final. It was very difficult to lose the World Cup semi-final."We need to ensure that we have a positive reaction when it arrives on Wednesday night, rather than one against Croatia."Image: Harry Maguire was injured and missed the first two Euro 2020 games.England has kept seven clean sheets under Southgate's watch, five of which were at the tournament so far. Maguire described this record as "remarkable."Maguire, an injury-related missive from the Euro 2020 group-stage games, believes that the Three Lions team has improved since their extra-time World Cup exit.He said, "I believe we're in better places than we were." "The experience of that, and the experience of the games between, have been valuable."We have had many big games during that time to improve, and spent a lot together on the training pitch and friendlies. We feel better with every game."In this tournament from the first to the Ukraine games, there are a lot differences in the principles we demand from each other."Officially, we are in a better position now, but there is still a lot of work to do."Image: Maguire and Gareth Southgate celebrate England's victory against Ukraine at Euro 2020.Maguire made his senior international debut in Oct 2017, and added that Southgate was "brilliant for the team".He said that Southgate sits there and gives them all the plaudits. The existing agreement with Southgate runs through the 2022 World Cup in Qatar."But we appreciate his job and the way he sets us up, and his man-management abilities. So I can't speak highly of Gareth and his coaches and the manner he has conducted his business over these last four years.Maguire anticipates a rise in level against Denmark. The Danes took four points from England last September and October in the Nations League.Manchester United's centre-back described Denmark’s progress at Euro 2020's as "really inspirational", referring to Christian Eriksen’s collapse and recovery from cardiac arrest during their opening match of Euro 2020."First and foremost, Christian's recovery has been our focus and we are all there for him.They are a great team. They have proven that they are a top team for many years."They are a strong team with great leaders and great experience. It will be tough, but we are focused on ourselves.
