Why Harry Maguire's former Sheffield United teammate isn't surprised by his success at 2018 World Cup with England

But thousands of Blades fans who watched him begin his career at Bramall Lane will not be surprised. Former United teammate Louis Reed isn't, either.

“You could always see that Harry had something about him,” Reed said.

"He was actually the captain when I made my debut for Sheffield United. It is pleasing to see him doing so well. He is a joy to watch. He always had that ability to step out of defence, but to do it on the biggest stage of all, the World Cup, and to do it in such a calm manner is testament to him.

“The back three of Kyle Walker, John Stones and Harry have been excellent for England so far and long may that continue."

Like Maguire, Reed came through the ranks at Bramall Lane and played alongside the England defender's brother, Laurence, during a loan spell at Chesterfield last season. Despite the Spireites' relegation from the Football League, Reed impressed and earned himself a permanent move to Peterborough in the summer.

"That loan spell at Chesterfield was really important for me. I played a lot of games week in, week out and I am appreciative of the opportunity that I got," the youngster added.

"Obviously it didn’t end how we wanted it to end, but it was good for my personal development and now I am ready for this new challenge at Peterborough. I have settled in really quickly and that is important and now it is about building my match fitness and getting myself in the best shape for the first game of the season.

“I want to add goals to my game. I managed to get a few before the end of last season and in the modern game you need to have that ability to get box to box. Growing up, I always loved watching Paul Scholes. Like me, he isn’t the biggest, but he was the complete midfield player.

"He had a great range of passing and obviously scored a lot of goals with the timing of his runs into the box."