Erik ten Hag has messaged Harry Maguire during the World Cup

Erik ten Hag has shown support to Harry Maguire following his superb performances for England at the World Cup.

"I think that’s the one thing I’d say that’s a lot different from the 2018 squad to this squad - I think we really believe that it is possible," he said.

"I played in 2018 and we got to the semi-final and I think a lot of the lads were happy. You were happy to be part of the semi-final.

"You know that whatever happened in that semi-final that you’d go home and be classed as a hero and everyone would be patting you on the back.

"I think now there’s a belief that we’ve got to win this tournament. It is a good change in the mentality.

"Of course, we know how tough it is going to be. I think there are probably five or six teams with the same belief.

"But in 2018, we probably weren’t one of those teams that had that belief. Now there’s five or six who have that belief and we’re one of them."

The 29-year-old, who has played just four Premier League games this season, added: "While I am away, they want me to focus fully on England.

"But I have had a couple of nice texts from them saying how well I’ve performed and congratulations on reaching the quarter-finals. It’s nice.

"I am sure they’ll be watching the games but Erik will be supporting the Oranje army. It is good to feel the support of them."

Maguire has dropped down the pecking order under Ten Hag, who has preferred Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane.

But he started his side's 1-0 win over West Ham United and could return to the fold following his showings at the World Cup.